This summer, we welcomed four talented interns – Aiden, Isabell, Stacy, and Troy. Each brought their own unique perspective and enthusiasm for learning. As their internships come to a close, they’ve shared their experiences and the lessons they’ll carry with them into their careers.
Aiden’s Experience: A First Look at Civil Engineering
As a first-time intern, Aiden didn’t know what to expect. “I wasn’t sure if I’d be doing calculations, surveying, or just getting coffee,” he admits. From day one, though, Aiden was actively involved in projects, running calculations, and shadowing senior engineers. His standout moment was working on the Palafox Streetscape Concept with Mike Langston and Jason Frick. “The level of detail that went into the project really opened my eyes to how intricate this field is,” he says. Along with learning key skills, such as using engineering software and understanding project plans, Aiden leaves with a strong sense of the profession. And as for his favorite takeaway? He calls Mike Langston “a walking, talking Google” for his encyclopedic knowledge.
Isabell’s Takeaway: More Than Expected
Isabell came into the internship hoping to gain insight into her future career path. “I wanted to see what my life might look like in a year, and I ended up getting so much more,” she reflects. Her daily tasks varied, from managing emails and attending meetings to working on several projects. Isabell found that the skills she developed – from understanding project designs to navigating engineering software – will be invaluable in her future career. One of her most rewarding moments was traveling to Point Baker for fire hydrant flow tests. “We’d worked on the model for two weeks, so seeing it in action was really special,” she recalls.
Stacy’s Hands-On Learning
Stacy admits that she didn’t know what to expect from her internship, but was surprised by the meaningful projects she was able to take on. Her day-to-day tasks ranged from data organization to fieldwork. “I’ve learned so much about teamwork, hydraulic modeling, and technical writing,” Stacy says. A highlight of her experience was visiting the Destin Water Users facility and seeing the physical infrastructure she had worked on during the summer. “It made the work feel more personal, knowing we were directly serving the people in the community,” she explains. A memorable moment? Her coworkers laughing as she used her whole body weight to open a fire hydrant during field tests.
Troy’s Internship: Exceeding Expectations
Troy came into the internship with modest expectations, thinking he might be stuck with small tasks. Instead, he was fully involved in the engineering process, from CAD work to attending meetings and shadowing engineers. “I learned not just about engineering but also about the business side of it – how projects develop from ideas to reality,” Troy explains. One of the most rewarding parts of his experience was the sense of belonging he felt with his team. “One day during lunch, I realized how much I’d connected with my coworkers and how much I would miss them,” he says. A fun memory? Jeff designed an award for Sara after she forgot to bring back chips from lunch — a playful moment that highlighted the camaraderie among the team.
Through real-world experience, mentorship, and teamwork, our interns gained valuable skills that will benefit them in their future careers. Their time with us not only enhanced their understanding of civil engineering but also highlighted the supportive, collaborative environment we strive to create at BDI. We’re proud to have been part of their journey and look forward to seeing all they accomplish in the future!
