Southland Industries

Design engineer

September 2016 - August 2020 • Tempe, AZ

What I liked

The experience. This company is an MEP design/build machine. If you want to see how things are put together correctly (no exceptions or shortcuts) then this is the place to start off at. Plenty of opportunity to grow, as well. They are picky about the type of people they hire, so if you can get in, they want to keep you.

What I wish was different

Needed more repetition. You can be on the same project for 2 - 3 years, so you may only see a single process during that time.

Advice

You get to see a little of everything since it’s large scale design/build. Share your interests with them and they will find a spot for you. The Tempe, AZ office has a great team, but not as strong of a mentorship program as the DC office. I haven't had much experience with the California offices.

Be the first to mark this as helpful

Design Engineer Intern

May - August 2017 • Portland, OR

What I liked

I learned a lot about the construction industry and how to work with other trades on implementing systems into the buildings without getting in each other's way.

What I wish was different

Advice

Internships definitely teach you a lot more about real life work experience than all the classes in college so take advantage of every day you are working and learn as much as you can over the short period of time.

Be the first to mark this as helpful

VDC Internship

April 2019 • Union City, CA

What I liked

I liked the hands on experience that I gained, it not only taught me new skills but also let me use some skills that I learned in school. The benefits as an intern are pretty good too, really good pay and free housing during the summer. I also like the environment in the work area, all of my coworkers are welling to teach and help me when ever I need it.

What I wish was different

It was a great experience overall, but someday's I wish I had more work or responsibility to take on.

Advice

Always ask for more work when you finish an assignment, this will help your employer and give you more experience in the field. Make yourself replaceable and have people depend on you while also doing good work.

Be the first to mark this as helpful

Project Management Intern

May - August 2019 • Las Vegas, NV

What I liked

I loved my work environment and the great people I worked with

What I wish was different

I wish I knew more about construction and mechanical contesting prior to starting

Advice

Keep asking question and always be willing to learn!

Be the first to mark this as helpful

Project Manager Inter

June - August 2017 • Union City, CA

What I liked

Southland Industires (SI) has a really good internship program. They really focus on forming a relationship between the employees and the interns, and the interns among themselves. Housing was provided and it was a totally rad apartment. As for the work, one quote from one one of the employees does a good job summing it up, "other companies will redo the intern's work because 'you know, they're just interns.' We on the other hand, use our interns to help get our work ."