A Planned Path with Unexpected Growth
This summer marked my second internship at CEC. One of the most valuable and defining aspects of my experience has been the opportunity to rotate through multiple departments. This was a planned part of my internship experience, and I’m grateful for it, because it gave me an in-depth look at what each discipline brings to the table—and what I personally gravitate toward as a future engineer.
Each summer, these rotations gave me the chance to build on what I learned previously while continuing to expand my technical skills, confidence, and professional interests. As a Civil Engineering and Survey Geomatics student, I’ve found that this cross-departmental exposure has done more than just strengthen my resume—it’s shaped the way I think about engineering as a whole. I didn’t just contribute to tasks; I got to understand how entire projects evolve from raw site conditions to fully permitted and designed plans.
Seeing Projects from the Ground Up
While my primary department is civil/site, I also rotated through geotechnical, water resources, and transportation. What stood out to me was how much has to happen before the design phase even begins. For example, during my time with the geotechnical team, I had the chance to go on-site and physically take borehole samples. That moment stood out because it made me realize just how different working in the field is from working on a computer. It was a completely unique experience from simply placing a CAD block on a plan sheet. It was a reminder that every digital line represents something real—and often hard-earned through fieldwork, research, and data.
I saw firsthand how geotechnical investigations, stormwater analysis, and transportation planning each shape the design decisions made by the civil/site team. Being part of that process gave me a deeper appreciation for the full lifecycle of a project, from permitting to plan submission.
Challenges That Built Confidence
Rotating through new departments pushed me outside my comfort zone in the best way. Every rotation came with tasks I hadn’t done before—new programs, new terminology, new workflows. But by leaning in, asking questions, and being willing to try, I walked away with new skills and experiences I wouldn’t have gained by staying in one department all summer.
This structure also helped me figure out what I enjoy most. I learned what types of work keep me engaged—and which ones might not be the right fit for me long term. That kind of insight is hard to get from school alone.
Building Teams—and Relationships
Working across departments didn’t just expand my skill set—it helped me build new relationships with team members throughout the company. Each team had different styles of collaboration, and learning how to adapt and communicate effectively in each setting was a huge part of my growth this summer.
Whether I was in the field with the geotech team, in the office with water resources, or shadowing a transportation engineer, I was surrounded by professionals who took the time to explain, mentor, and include me. That kind of environment makes a difference—not just in how much you learn but in how confident you feel contributing.
Connecting the Dots
My favorite part of this rotational experience was seeing how each piece connects to the bigger picture. A civil/site plan doesn’t just appear—it’s built on dozens of inputs from other teams. By seeing a project evolve across phases and disciplines, I gained a better understanding of how engineers rely on one another to deliver high-quality, thoughtful work.
Rotating through departments helped me understand more than just “how” something is designed—it showed me why it’s designed a certain way.
Looking Ahead
This internship helped me do more than build my resume—it helped me narrow my focus. I now have a clearer idea of which areas in civil engineering excite me most and what type of work I want to pursue after graduation.
As I head back to Fairmont State, I do so with a new level of confidence, experience, and perspective. I know what I’m working toward—and I’m excited to keep building.
Advice to Future Interns
If I could offer one piece of advice to future interns, it would be this: say yes to everything. Go on every site visit, sit in on every meeting, and volunteer to help with anything—even if it’s new or unfamiliar. Every time you step into a different space, whether it’s a muddy field, a design review, or a client call, you gain experience that adds to your confidence and perspective.
Rotating through departments taught me that asking questions and staying curious leads to real growth. Every new challenge helps you figure out not just how engineering works—but where you belong in it.
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