Building the Foundation for Future Professionals

An internship is an exciting and transformational stage in a student’s professional journey. At ICON, we believe this experience is where academic knowledge intersects with real-world application - creating opportunities to turn ideas, theory, and creativity into meaningful work.

Whether pursuing architecture, marketing, design, communications, or other creative and technical disciplines, interns bring fresh perspectives, curiosity, and energy developed through their education. At ICON, interns are encouraged to apply classroom learning within a collaborative studio environment while gaining valuable insight into professional practice.

For architecture interns, this means contributing to the design process, exploring how concepts become built environments, and gaining exposure to projects from vision through execution. For marketing interns, it means helping tell stories, strengthen brands, create engaging content, and connect communities to the impact of design through strategic communication and creative execution.

At ICON, we value new ideas and believe interns play an important role in shaping conversations and contributing to meaningful work. Through mentorship, collaboration, and hands-on experience, interns gain practical skills, build confidence, and develop tools that support both their academic and professional growth.

More than career preparation, an internship at ICON is an opportunity to explore possibilities, create meaningful connections, and begin building a foundation for long-term success. With passion, initiative, and curiosity, opportunities emerge.

Get to know our 2026 interns below.

Dawson McDonald

Architecture Student North Dakota State University Entering 5th Year

Why did you choose architecture? As a kid, I was always interested in how buildings and houses were made. Once I found out what architecture was, I had my eyes set on it ever since.

What drew you to ICON? I have heard of ICON and seen some of their projects from going up in the Greater Grand Forks. They have always seemed like a fun company to work for.

Favorite project/task so far?

My favorite thing I have done so far was help take pictures at the new Valley Middle School.

Biggest thing you’ve learned?

Little tips and tricks on how to work more efficiently in Revit.

Fun fact about yourself.

I have now ran 5 half marathons!

Dream building to design someday.

I think it would be fascinating to design an Apple Store!

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Payton Rudd

Architecture Student North Dakota State University Entering 5th Year

Why did you choose architecture? I chose architecture because of my passion for drawing and creating things from a young age. Growing up, I enjoyed drawing my favorite athletes, movie and TV characters, animals, and more. I also loved building and designing things, whether in Minecraft, with Legos, or using Lincoln Logs. These interests naturally led me to pursue architecture.

What drew you to ICON? The proximity to home was a major factor in my decision. Another was the atmosphere at ICON. Even during my interview, I could tell it was a close-knit, laid-back group of people, and I immediately hoped to become a part of the team.

Favorite project/task so far?

My favorite project so far has been 25-061 Sanford Mobile PT Unit Connection. Although it is a smaller project, I have really enjoyed working on it because of the on-site construction meetings. Seeing the interactions between the architect, engineer, contractor, and client has been a valuable learning experience and has given me a better understanding of how projects come together in the field.

Biggest thing you’ve learned?

The biggest thing I’ve learned is how important communication is among all parties in a construction project. There is constant back-and-forth coordination, and it is essential to clearly document and date questions or issues raised by the architect, engineer, contractor, and others involved.

Fun fact about yourself.

I absolutely love sports, especially football, basketball, and golf. There isn’t a day that goes by when I’m not watching a game, listening to sports-related content, or playing a sports video game. Sports have always been a major part of my life and remain one of my favorite ways to spend my time.

Dream building to design someday.

One day, I would love to drive by a sports complex in the Bismarck–Mandan area and be able to say that I was part of the design team that brought it to life. To put it simply, that would be an incredibly rewarding and exciting accomplishment.

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Makiah Haug

Marketing Student University of North Dakota

Entering 3rd Year

Why did you choose Marketing? I choose marketing as my major because I like to organize and create different things. I think that having a business degree can open up different doors into many types of jobs.

What drew you to ICON? I met an employee of ICON at a UND event and he thought that my skills would be useful for many projects in the office. I interviewed and liked the staff so that drew me into working as an intern.

Favorite project/task so far?

I enjoyed helping with the groundbreaking in Fargo. It was really awesome to see how that works and all of the people and kids excited.

Biggest thing you’ve learned?

You can always improve what works right now and make it better. Many things can be good enough but it takes a couple extra steps to make it great that is worth it everytime.

Fun fact about yourself.

I can water ski with no hands.

What is a job you would like to have in the future?

A job I would enjoy is to work at a marketing firm and work on different projects to help grow a variety of firms. I would also enjoy being an executive assistant that gets to do many different jobs and travel for the company.

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Ryan Blixt

Architecture Student North Dakota State University Entering 4th Year

Why did you choose architecture?

Mainly because of my dad. But design in general interests me. Video games especially. If it wasn't for location and potential low income, I would probably be a video game designer.

What drew you to ICON?

Again, because of my dad. But something I appreciate is that ICON tries to maximize usability and profit rather than focusing purely on design. A great contrast from school projects.

Favorite project/task so far?

I worked on Dickinson renders for the existing gym. Also touring the Dickinson school. Both fun for different reasons.

Biggest thing you’ve learned?

I learned that a lot of work is dedicated to structure and organization. Supplementary information is what my main workload has been consisting of.

Fun fact about yourself.

I have 7 years of restaurant experience.

Dream building to design someday.

A really nice factory. I find logistics interesting. It would be fun trying to design around all the moving parts and pieces.