Sara Wang

Final Report of
Internship Program in
Cornerstone Concilium
In this one month internship in Cornerstone Concilium, I really feel that my life has been changed. This kind of
experience is once in a life time, and I will describe in detail what I’ve seen and learnt in five topics: Hands-on
experience in professional field, Cultural Exposure, Connection with people, Spiritual advancement and What
Cornerstone taught me.
Hands-on experience in professional field
I have visited a lot of companies in this month, including Gensler, KMD, Kwan Henmi, Charles Salter
Acoustics, SmithGroupJJR, Apple, etc. During each company visit, I understood quite much about the firm.
Firstly, I get to know the structure and the operating method of the firm. Different firms apply various structure
and method. Some arrange employees in different studios or departments and some assign work according
to phases of projects. Some expand overseas and develop branches and some focus only on local business. I
understand that there are intentions behind which show policy makers’ care and thoughtfulness. Every firm
has its specialization in certain field, therefore the firm should be structured and operated in a certain way
to maximize the benefits. However, one structure may turn out to be more efficient, and the leader should
constantly make amendments and have improvement.
Secondly, I experienced culture of each firm. In my opinion, the culture in most firms I visited is free and
relaxed. I feel that there is less pressure of getting promotion or seeking higher wage here than in China, and
what’s more people are encouraged to communicate with each other and speak out their opinions, so they
treat each other more like friends than enemies. In some companies back in China, employees may have a
tough time competing or even infighting, and I am even told by someone that professional lives are full of
indifference and conspiracy. I don’t know if this is actually also true in America, but from what I see, I would
say that the atmosphere of firms in San Francisco are friendly and relaxing, which makes me prefer working
here.
Besides company visits, Cornerstone also helped me to arrange several site visits, which I consider really crucial
for my future career. I gained a lot, but to make it simple, I would say that these site visits broke my fantasy of
this field. For example, when I visited the Berryessa VTA Station, I found out that the pre-manufactured steel
pieces couldn’t fit into their positions and they may need to be returned to the factory and reproduced. In the
past, I was so naive to consider designing process as the hardest and most important phase of a project, which
turns out to be wrong. Construction phase is even more challenging, a lot of negotiation and debates are going
on all the time. This makes me realize that I need to graduate from fantasy quickly and grow to be a professional
by getting more and more hands-on experience. Thanks to Cornerstone, I am now at least one step ahead of
other youth.
Connection with people
Besides vocational knowledge, I was also taught by many that connection and networking is a really
essential part in one’s career life. During company visits and site visits, I got to know a number of
experts and leaders in the field, and was honored to get invaluable advice from them. I strongly feel
that only through frequent connection with elites that one can improve fast. Being stuck in the same
circle of people every day will only make one dump and rest on one's laurels.
What’s more, connections can bring opportunities and even more connection in the future. Mr
Perry always emphasizes on the importance of six degrees of separation. And my experience proves
its validity. I call this the serial surprises.
We were invited to Sandra’s retirement party at the international airport. The first surprise was
that Mrs Silvia Kwan, the founder of Kwan Henmi Architecture and Planning(KH) appeared.
Kwan Henmi has long been a company that we would love to visit. Fortunately, Jack introduced us
to Mrs Kwan, and we managed to nail down our visit to KH. The second surprise was that, with the
kind invitation of Mrs Kwan, we went to the opening ceremony of a new building Paranomic, and
met quite a lot specialists and big names there. Then came the third surprise. Ming recognized an
old coagent, Charles Salter, at the ceremony. Charles Salter leads one of the best acoustic firm in Bay
Area, and with his kindness, we were invited to his company to have a tour. These serial surprises
can be seen as the best example demonstrating the six degrees of separation, which taught me a vital
lesson of how to use your network to realize your calling of life.
Cultural Exposure
San Francisco is a multi-racial city with splendid culture, history and art. I paid visits to almost every famous museums and
exhibition spaces in SF and was astonished to find out there were so many events going on at the same time.
De Young Museum and California Academy of Science are two of my favorite museums. Only a garden across, these two
well-known architecture are designed by renowned architects Herzog & de Meuron and Renzo Piano. Interestingly, these
two act as a huge contrast to each other. While De Young Museum exhibits installation, sculptures and paintings, California
Academy of Science tell audiences stories about nature science. While De Young has an eye catching facade and conceals
the structural system, California Academy fools you by its plain appearance and amazes you by the exposed structure inside.
Different concepts, ideas and functions leads to different approaches and arrangements, however one thing is similar. Both
architects tried to integrate the building with surroundings and concerned about circulation and user experience. Other
than architecture itself, the exhibitions inside are inspiring and interactive, revealing the glorious civilization this city and this
country achieved in only hundreds of years.
Other than museums, I also went to historical and artistic districts, like Church Street, Market Street etc. Of course the art
works and atmosphere there was fascinating, and what’s more, I can feel creativity, passion and vitality all the time. People
there love what they create and they are respected by others. I feel in love with this place at first sight. It is sad that nowadays
in China, people haven’t regarded careers concerning art and culture as that “decent” as lawyers or doctors, and not
too many artistic districts or cultural centers are formed. As I was walking pass doodles, art shops and galleries, what I was
thinking about was art workers in China. I wish one day China will have more inclusion, understanding and respect of
cultural activities and artists like San Francisco, and that at time, China will really become a strong country with soft power.
Spiritual advancement
In a Christian based company as Cornerstone, during this month I also had much exposure to Christianity.
Ming took me to events like City Impact, the anniversary in River of Life Church, American Night of Hope,
etc. Honestly, my stereotype against Christianity is broken and gradually I form a new understanding of this
religion. I used to regard Christianity as conventional or even a fossil, however my experience showed that
some denomination have long adapted to the pace of time and use novel ways to spread their faith.
What’s more, most follower I met were full of love and hope, and willing to do their best to help the poor
and the need. I was often moved by their determination to make the world a better place. For example, in
City Impact, every volunteer served the stranger like they were family members and dear friends. Their warm
greetings and sweet smiles were remedies for desperate residents there.
Although I am not a believer of Christianity, I deeply respect those who sacrifice themselves and serve the god
and people around them. Their kindness and love to me are unforgettable and I will be thankful always.
What Cornerstone taught me
Last but not least, I would like to say something deep from my heart to everyone in
Cornerstone. Before this internship, I never expected working in a company will be like
this. My last internship was quite OK, however I never really had the chance to have a deep
conversation with any colleague, or have huge improvements in professional skills. I would
constantly worry about interpersonal relationship with seniors, or doubt whether what I did
was really helpful for my future study or not. However in Cornerstone, everything is different.
In Cornerstone, I was treated as a friend, with great care and consideration from everyone. Not
only did Cornerstone offered me various opportunities for exposure, but also every colleague
care about whether I lived a happy and meaningful life in SF. Elpis and I were taken care of in
every aspects; besides financial supports, we got chances to be involved in companies meetings,
projects, construction sites; we were free to plan our schedule, and colleagues were supportive
of our decision; we were taken to local restaurants and shops and even Mr Perry’s house, and
it made us feel like home.
Other than the hospitality of everyone, the progressiveness and enterprise of Cornerstone left
me a deep impression. In the weekly meetings and business retreat, I heard Mr Perry’s speech
about the future development of the company and watched the discussion among everybody.
Everyone in Cornerstone have a clear understanding of the current condition of the company,
and make outlooks and prospects for the future development. It made me acutely aware of the
importance of having a blueprint in my personal life and career life. If you are a person with
no goal and no plan, usually you will turn out to accomplish nothing. Having a careful and
reasonable analysis of oneself and the current situation can help one to formulate a detailed
plan, and with the help of the plan, one can realize his or her dream step by step, and reach the
ultimate success.
To conclude, this month is one of the most colorful and meaningful month of my life. Not
only did I gained experience and knowledge, but also friendship and new mindset. I would say
that this experience will be extremely beneficial to my future and I will strongly recommend
everyone to attend this one month internship. I will always appreciate the consideration and
care from Cornerstone, and I wish our connection will last forever.
Thank you everyone.