Cameron Linger’s Journey at GTA: From Intern to Project Scientist

Cameron Linger didn’t arrive at GTA with a career plan in hand, but sometimes the best paths are the ones you don’t expect. What started as a college internship turned into a defining chapter, guided by real-world experience and a team that encouraged his growth.

Today, Cameron is a Project Scientist on GTA’s Natural Resources team. His story reflects what’s possible when mentorship, flexibility, and professional development come together in the right environment.

The GTA Difference: Flexibility, Mentorship, and Growth Opportunities

Born and raised in Harford County, Maryland, Cameron thought he had a pretty good idea of what his hometown had to offer. But that perspective shifted when a friend suggested he apply for an internship at GTA.

At the time, Cameron was studying environmental studies at St. Mary’s College of Maryland, where he also played on the lacrosse team. His academic path wasn’t always linear, but one thing was clear: he wanted a job that kept him outside. The opportunity to work with GTA sounded like a promising way to explore what that could look like in practice.

Cameron ended up interning with GTA twice—once in the summer and once in the winter—working in construction observation and testing. During those terms, he gained valuable exposure to fieldwork, job site protocols, and reporting. It gave him a real sense of what a workday could look like after graduation and helped him visualize the type of career he might want to build.

After graduating from college, he joined GTA full-time, continuing in the geotechnical department. While he appreciated the experience and what he was learning, Cameron quickly realized geotechnical engineering wasn’t the right long-term fit. Rather than leaving the company, he brought his goals and concerns to his supervisors, and they listened.

Cameron had an open conversation with his supervisors about his interests and goals. Rather than steering him back toward a path that didn’t fit, GTA encouraged him to consider other opportunities within the company. 

“I didn’t really see myself necessarily in that field, but I like the work environment of GTA. They said, ‘We have other departments that you can explore.’ This is what’s really nice about GTA. I wasn’t just stuck being a laborer, essentially. They were actively giving me a lot of opportunities to progress my career in the direction that I wanted to go.”

Cameron was interested in GTA’s natural resources, so the company got him connected and helped him make the transition to that department. He started as a staff-level team member, gained experience across multiple disciplines, and earned a promotion to Project Scientist within two and a half years. Cameron credits that openness and the guidance he received along the way as key to his success. 

Looking back, he says his internship gave him foundational knowledge about construction, field reporting, and client communication that still benefits him in his current role.

“There’s a lot of disciplines in GTA, and having a basic understanding of all of them is kind of crucial to being in any position higher, so you can convey that information and offer services that our company as a whole offers.”

Mentorship That Makes a Difference

Strong mentorship has been a consistent theme throughout Cameron’s time at GTA. Early in his career, one of his supervisors arranged opportunities for him to shadow other technicians and gain additional exposure to different areas of the company. Others helped him enroll in classes like soil conservation to expand his knowledge and skill set.

“Opportunities are always there. I have two significant yearly meetings with my direct supervisors, and they’re always checking in, saying, ‘What do you want? And how can we help you get there?”

The culture of open communication and individualized support has been a game-changer for Cameron. He knows he can have candid conversations with his managers and that they’ll take his career goals seriously.

“I can have one-on-one conversations with any of my managers, and they’re extremely understanding,” Cameron said. “Work-life balance and a positive culture are built over time, and I think the GTA Abingdon office specifically has a pretty good culture. I could talk to anybody in that office, and anybody can approach me.”

Thriving in a Fast-Paced but Supportive Environment

Like many engineering firms, GTA operates at a fast pace, but that doesn’t come at the expense of connection or team spirit. Cameron describes the office as lively, collaborative, and filled with people who genuinely enjoy working together.

“A lot of the partners and vice presidents that are in our office are extremely approachable, and we all kind of banter all day,” he said. “Obviously, it’s a consulting firm, so everything’s relatively fast-paced. But everybody’s down to have fun.”

One of his favorite aspects of the day-to-day? Taking lunchtime runs with coworkers. The camaraderie is real, and it extends across teams.

Though GTA Abingdon’s Natural Resources team is small, they support projects across many of the company’s sites, meaning they travel frequently to assist in other states. That sense of collaboration, along with the variety in project work, keeps the job dynamic and rewarding.

Cameron’s Advice for Future Interns

When asked what advice he’d give to future interns or new hires, Cameron says the key is to stay curious and keep showing up. There’s a lot to learn, and GTA provides ample opportunity for anyone who’s eager to grow.

Whether it’s certifications, courses, or degree programs, the company invests in employee development. Cameron, for example, became a qualified professional forest conservationist in Maryland through a local college course. 

“It’s a straightforward certification, and they really encouraged me to pursue it. My supervisors also enrolled me in soil conservation classes,” he said. “I even traveled to Pennsylvania for a few days to work with the soil conservation district, focusing on soils related to ecology, wetlands, and streams. They’re always supportive of additional learning and certifications.”

He’s also seen coworkers pursue advanced degrees, including a colleague who completed a master’s program funded by GTA.

Though Cameron is still early in his career, he feels confident in his future and supported by a company that values his input, goals, and well-being. Reflecting on his journey from being an intern to being a full-time employee, he said:

“My managers and higher-ups and peers, being so attentive to me as an individual and addressing my needs and wants, made it a pretty seamless transition from intern to a full-time employee.”

Ready to Join the GTA Team?

Cameron Linger’s story is proof that when you’re supported, trusted, and given room to grow, real career progress follows. Here, your next step could lead further than you imagined.

If Cameron’s story inspires you, and you’re ready to grow your career in a dynamic, supportive environment, we’d love to hear from you! Explore GTA’s career opportunities and internship programs today: geo-technology-associates.breezy.hr/