I loved my experience working in the structures department at HNTB. My supervisor, Chris, asked me early on specifically what type of work I wanted to do that summer and he provided the CAD tasks that I asked for as much as he could. Everyone in the office was incredibly kind, welcoming, and helpful when questions arose.
What I wish was different
I would have liked more construction site visits, but as a design firm it made sense that we only went on a handful.
Advice
Don't be afraid to apply to jobs outside of your comfort zone! I thought I wanted to work primarily with buildings, but applied to HNTB (a transportation firm) regardless even though I was unsure if I wanted to work in infrastructure. Who would have known that I would like working with bridges way more!
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Intern Engineer
May - August 2023 • New York City, NY
What I liked
I met with plenty of helpful and knowledgeable individuals who included me on group meetings and taught me how to utilize various CAD programs.
What I wish was different
I wish my internship was longer and that I could help on more projects.
Advice
Don't be afraid to ask questions and to be involved. Try to speak as many people as you can and make good connections. Never stop learning!
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Traffic/ITS Engineering Intern
May - August 2018 • East Lansing, MI
What I liked
I was able to gain exposure and experience with a transportation consultant firm. I learned how to use software relevant to transportation engineering including MicroStation, HCS, BlueBeam, and VISSIM. I was able to work on large infrastructure projects in Michigan that will benefit the public. I also liked the people I worked with, company culture, and development opportunities.
What I wish was different
I wish I was able to get more exposure and experience in traffic modeling software. The company was amazing, the work was great, but I wish I was doing the same work in the west coast.
Advice
Don't be afraid to move somewhere foreign to you for the summer. I was terrified to move to Michigan for the summer, but had an amazing time working in my desired field.
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Engineering Intern
June 2020 • Grand Rapids, MI
What I liked
I appreciated the resources provided and the wide variety of tasks and projects I was able to work on. I never felt as if I did not have the proper material or guidance to answer a question, and because I was exposed to many different sectors of infrastructure engineering, this was an invaluable bonus.
What I wish was different
Advice
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Water Resources CoOp
July - December 2020 • Milwaukee, WI
What I liked
The best part of my experience here was the people. They were all extremely helpful and willing to take the time to teach me valuable skills to help my success. Obviously the job was fun, but if it weren’t for my coworkers I wouldn’t have thrived as well
What I wish was different
I wish I had gotten more feedback and reassurance at the beginning...but at the same time, by not holding my hand that allowed me to grow as an individual and self sufficient worker
Advice
My advice is to go in with confidence and be okay with being self sufficient and doing/learning things in your own — but also know when to ask for help and don’t be afraid to
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Intern Engineer
January - August 2021 • Detroit, MI
What I liked
I liked having the opportunity to learn in a fast paced working environment related to my major of study. I also liked being able to grow my network.
What I wish was different
I wish the covid-19 restrictions could have been lifted sooner.
Advice
Ask plenty of questions and talk to as many different people as possible.
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Public Engagement Intern
May - August 2022 • Kansas City, MO
What I liked
Great learning experience. I learned so many lessons about working with the media and clients.
What I wish was different
Better onboarding process to help the learning curve of working at an engineering firm with no industry background
Advice
Ask every question.
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Traction Power Engineering Intern
May - August 2018 • Chelmsford, MA
What I liked
Everyone is very friendly. Pay was appropriate, and work was laid back. They give you the responsibilities of an entry level engineer, so you learn a lot and have a big impact on your team. I loved it!
What I wish was different
That it was full-time and not just an internship.
Advice
Give it a try! Very interesting, and something you can not really learn in school.
