In this Scholar-Athlete Spotlight, we are featuring Logan Allen of Florida Tech men's basketball. This summer, the Sharpsburg, Georgia, native is gaining meaningful experience at an internship in his desired field. We caught up with Allen to learn more about the incredible opportunity.

What company are you interning for this summer? What is your title and role with the company?
"I'm interning with Rochester DCCM as a Civil Engineering Intern this summer. My role involves supporting the development of engineering drawings using Autodesk Civil 3D and gaining hands-on experience with the design processes involved in grading and gravity pipe networks. It's been a great opportunity to apply classroom knowledge professionally and deepen my understanding of real-world infrastructure design."

What drew you to this internship? What steps did you have to take to earn your position within the company?
"This internship provided the perfect opportunity to stay close to home over the summer while gaining valuable, real-world experience in civil engineering. I first learned about the position through a connection within the company. After expressing my interest, I interviewed during winter break and was fortunate to be offered the role shortly after."

What are some exciting tasks or projects that you have been able to be a part of?
"One of the most exciting parts of this internship has been the various hands-on tasks I've been involved in. I've contributed to several projects, including field surveying, developing technical drawings in Civil 3D, and using different software tools to support various design processes. These experiences have given me a deeper understanding of real-world site development and the collaborative effort behind every project."
 
What is your major at Florida Tech? Why did you choose this direction for your education and is this something you always wanted to pursue?
"My major at Florida Tech is Civil Engineering. I chose this path because I've always enjoyed math and science, and civil engineering felt like the perfect blend of the two. Early on, I was also influenced by close family friends whose parents were civil engineers—they introduced me to the real-world impact of the profession, which helped solidify my decision. Since then, I've been excited to pursue a career where I can contribute to the design and development of the communities around me."

How has being a scholar-athlete prepared you for the work you are currently doing in your internship? What skills have you taken from your time as a scholar-athlete that help you in your internship?
"Being a scholar-athlete has equipped me with transferable skills that have been incredibly valuable during my internship. Balancing academics and athletics taught me the importance of time management, which helps me stay organized and meet deadlines in a professional setting. Teamwork has also been essential; for example, in the field, collaborating with others in the workplace requires trust, communication, and a shared goal. Lastly, strong communication skills, developed through both sports and academics, have helped me work effectively with engineers and project managers throughout my internship."

How is your internship preparing you for a career you would like to do after graduation?
"This internship gives me a strong foundation for the career I hope to pursue after graduation. It's helped me build technical skills in programs like Civil 3D, exposed me to real-world design processes, and shown me how projects move from concept to completion. I've also gained valuable insight into the importance of leadership, continuous learning, and professional communication. On top of that, the connections I've made with experienced engineers have expanded my professional network and could lead to future career opportunities."

What advice would you give another scholar-athlete/prospective scholar-athlete who is looking to pursue a similar path?
"My advice to another scholar-athlete pursuing a similar path is to embrace the challenge of balancing academics, athletics, and professional development—it's tough, but incredibly rewarding. Time management is key, and learning how to stay organized will set you up for success both on and off the field. Don't be afraid to ask questions, seek out opportunities, and use your support network. Most importantly, stay driven and open to growth—the discipline and resilience you build as a scholar-athlete will carry you far in your career."