Summer Interns Reflect on Their GEC Experience as They Head Back to School

As we begin another new school year, General Engineering Company (GEC) reflects on our summer interns as they wrap up their time with us and return to their studies. We had the pleasure of hosting three interns, each bringing unique skills and acquiring new ones throughout the summer.

GEC aims to provide interns with as much hands-on experience as possible, providing them with valuable skills and knowledge to carry into their careers after graduation. Our company appreciates the fresh perspectives and ideas they contribute to our projects, fostering a collaborative environment. As we know, the summer always goes too fast, and although we are saddened to see our interns go, we know that they will take what they have learned professionally and personally beyond these office walls.

Our 2024 summer interns:

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Profile 1: Lucas

Lucas interned with our survey department, where he assisted with fieldwork and data collection. This fall, he will return to Madison College to continue his studies in Civil Engineering Technology.

During his summer internship with GEC, Lucas gained new skills and deepened his understanding of the lessons from his coursework. Reflecting on his experience, he shared, "I developed many new skills that will help me along the way. I found the work very impactful and meaningful."

One of Lucas's responsibilities during his internship was staking locations for sidewalks and curbs before they were poured. He remarked, "There was pressure to get it exactly right, and I took that responsibility seriously to ensure it was accurate."

When asked what advice he would offer others, Lucas said, "My advice is to always do your best and learn as much as you can, especially if you're continuing your education."

__________________________________________________________ Profile 2: Isabelle

Isabelle worked closely with our civil municipal team, gaining valuable experience in drafting, report writing, surveying, and more. She will be returning to UW-Madison this fall to continue her studies.

Isabelle found her internship work meaningful, particularly because of the interactions she had with local residents while on-site surveying. She enjoyed hearing their appreciation for the neighborhood improvements being made, and she felt rewarded for the positive impact she and GEC were contributing to. Throughout her internship, Isabelle worked on various aspects of projects, from collecting data for road projects to drafting plans. She said, "Seeing the project firsthand as it took shape was incredibly rewarding." She added, "I didn't expect the variety of work or how involved I would feel. I got to contribute to nearly every aspect of a project, which allowed me to develop far more skills than I anticipated."

One significant takeaway from Isabelle's internship at GEC was how much she valued seeing her work in person and connecting with the project site. She stated, "That's something I now know I want to prioritize in my full-time career."

What advice would Isabelle give to others? "Stay curious and eager to learn. Working closely with an experienced engineer is a huge opportunity," she said. She also encourages others, "Don't be afraid to ask questions, even if you're unsure or worried about sounding inexperienced."

__________________________________________________________ Profile 3: Adam

Adam was stationed with our structural team, learning about designing braced walls, beams, columns, and more during the summer. He attends UW-Platteville and is about to complete his final year.

We asked Adam what he enjoyed most about his internship with GEC, and he responded, "I enjoyed having the ability to learn about what I will be taught in college prior to taking the classes and getting to meet others in the structural group."

During his internship, Adam acquired new skills, such as working with various CAD programs, including one not currently taught in college. Reflecting on his experience, he noted, "I learned how houses are basically built, from framing and roofing to the foundation."

Adam shared that the internship has had an influence on him and will push him to become a better engineer. Before concluding his internship, we also asked him for advice for other students considering an internship. He responded, "Try to get into an internship as soon as possible, and learn as much as possible while on the job because it will help you out down the road."

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As we conclude, we wish Lucas, Isabelle, and Adam all the best of luck with their studies. We thank them for their contributions and impact during their time here, and the value they held this summer while interning with GEC.