During my summer internship with ODOT I was able to apply much of what I have learned from school to actual work that is done in the field. This was one of my favorite parts from working there this summer. Some other parts I really liked included who I worked with, all of the people I worked with really let me feel welcomed and helped me grow from who I was and what I knew prior to work this summer. I also got to learn the processes that go into construction and how those processes work in the field, from either how a bridge is constructed or how ODOT works with the different contractors.
What I wish was different
I really liked my internship this past summer and not much could have improved. The only thing I could really think of is my ability to work overtime. I only had one full pay period due to their being many federal holidays. There was many chances I could have worked overtime and regained time from the deficit caused from the holidays.
Advice
Two piece of advice I would like to share is one to add your input into a issue and two to make sure to talk to the construction workers while out on the job site. For the whole summer I was paired with another civil engineer to work a job site and if there was an issue we were able to talk it through, and I would be able to say what I thought a fix might be and I would learn from the response if that would or wouldn't work and why. Talk to the construction workers out on the job site because often times if you are friendly with them they are more likely to listen to you and get what needs fixed done.
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Engineer Co-op
August - December 2021 • Sidney, OH
What I liked
I enjoyed having a variety of tasks in the district 7 design department, including review of various plan sets, attending design meetings, helping the survey crew in the field, and doing field visits while projects are in the planning stage. As I became more familiar with programs like Microstation, I was given more advanced assignments.
What I wish was different
Although I would describe the workplace as collaborative, there wasn't a lot of face-to-face interaction in the design department. I spent the vast majority of my time working on the computer in my cubicle, and even meetings were mostly virtual rather than in person. You can see others in the office, but most employees in design work from home three days per week, and much of the communication is via email or Microsoft Teams.
Advice
This co-op experience is what you make of it. There were no pressing deadlines involved with the various tasks given, but at the same time, there are plenty of assignments to work on. In order to get the most out of this experience I suggest setting personal goals and deadlines for tasks so that you can continue to be given more to do. The more assignments you complete, the more advanced your new assignments become, and this allows you to grow in your role.
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Intern
May - July 2021 • Marietta, OH
What I liked
I loved being involved with new construction and seeing how transportation engineers designed and planned the construction process.
What I wish was different
I wish I had more opportunity to be involved with the planning and design phase rather than the construction phase.
Advice
Make sure to read the ODOT construction manual
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Construction intern
May 2021 • Cleveland, OH
What I liked
I was part of a huge construction project and I got to see so many new things that I would not have been able to experience if I had never taken this internship. I got to see the different aspects of the construction phase as well as have the opportunity to cover a crew.
What I wish was different
I wished I had more time to spend inspecting more crews and areas during the construction process.
Advice
I suggest asking your supervisor to let you explore more things so that you can get a better understanding of what you like to do.
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Construction Intern
May - August 2021 • Lebanon, OH
What I liked
The ability to see many types of construction
Always something to do in different locations
The people I worked with are some of the nicest I've met
What I wish was different
Rather slow at the start and end of construction season
Advice
Don't be afraid to ask questions even if you have to call your supervisor up it's worth it!
Ask your inspectors as well and don't be afraid to speak up
Do night pours if you get the chance!
Be yourself!
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College Intern
May - August 2019 • Georgetown, OH
What I liked
I enjoyed visiting construction sites and working alongside engineers to manage projects.
What I wish was different
I wish I had been placed in a location that had more projects going on.
Advice
If you have never worked in construction, you may be surprised by the amount of paperwork involved.
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Summer Seasonal Position
May - August 2019 • Carrollton, OH
What I liked
I enjoyed the hours and working outdoors.
What I wish was different
I would like to have had more experience working in the office.
Advice
I would recommend this job to any college student, however I would tell them to bring plenty of water as it gets pretty hot.
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Engineering Co-op
May 2019 • Bowling Green, OH
What I liked
I liked the people I worked with and I learned a lot.
What I wish was different
I wish I would have been payed more.
Advice
It was a great experience and I would go back.
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Geotechnical Engineering Intern
May - October 2019 • Columbus, OH
What I liked
I learned a lot about geotechnical engineering!
What I wish was different
Advice
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Flagger
May 2019 • Marietta, OH
What I liked
The experiences I learned and the benefits it offered. The people who worked there were amazing and a pleasure to be around.
What I wish was different
I understood county roads better.
Advice
It’s a lot of standing around in the sun. So carry sunblock and plenty of water.
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College Summer Help
May - August 2019 • Lima, OH
What I liked
I loved the ability to work in my community and gain meaningful experiences that I will remember for a long time. I also loved the fact that I could do something different every day.
What I wish was different
For a summer job, it was a great experience and I have no complaints.
Advice
I would tell someone interested that some days are better than others, but the friendships and overall experience was beneficial.
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ITS Intern
January - September 2018 • Columbus, OH
What I liked
Open about hiring full time after an internship there.
They don't expect you to know everything, very willing to help if needed.
The management is really great.
What I wish was different
Was not given a lot of work, would spend hours doing nothing.
I wish the intern program was more structured with preset projects.
Didn't really learn any new technical skills.
Advice
If this is what you would like to do this is a great place to work but if you are trying to figure what you would like to do/specialize in then this might not be the best way to go.
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Road crew
May - August 2018 • Lima, OH
What I liked
What I wish was different
Advice
This was a great summer position within the government to learn how the transportation system is ran and kept care of.
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Accountant
November 2017 - October 2018 • Columbus, OH
What I liked
I loved the fact you get to work with diversity, it’s not just number you put in excel or help process payments. It always feel good to make change it the world and mine was helping minor and women in small businesses
What I wish was different
I had to leave due to my availability, I had to focus on school.
Advice
Be displin, it’s better to arrive earlier than late, be a team player, earn their trust, and be creative.
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College intern
May 2018 • Columbus, OH
What I liked
Lots of opportunity to interact with other offices within ODOT. Felt valued and appreciated for the work I performed.
What I wish was different
Advice
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Co Op
May - August 2018 • Cincinnati, OH
What I liked
Demonstrated my skills I learned in the classroom and was able to share it with less experienced co ops.
What I wish was different
N.A
Advice
When doing highway construction or any construction for fact, be sure to always think safety first. Always be visible and away from any potential hazards. Everything else is secondary.
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Civil Engineering Intern
May - August 2018 • Akron, OH
What I liked
I loved the people i got to work with and doing the job itself.
What I wish was different
Sometimes i didn’t get the guidance i needed so i felt lost. I wish that would’ve changed.
Advice
youre actually working a real job, so do your job to the best of your ability, even if it might be temporary.
