My time spent this summer interning with the Equity In Infrastructure Project will be a time I look back on fondly. This was my first ever internship and foray into the professional world, and it was everything I hoped it would be and so much more. This internship presented me with an opportunity to explore a unique and often unknown aspect of my major, Civil Engineering. Being able to take a deep look at the going-ons of the policy/operational aspect of infrastructure was excellent, and doing it with the overarching goal of achieving equity for all in the space of infrastructure was even better. I learned so much from my time with EIP, from bettering my professional writing skills to developing my social and interviewing skills. I also gained valuable insight into how government policy works and affects the infrastructure industry as well as how the construction and design firms many civil engineers wish to work for operate.
However the best part of interning for EIP, was speaking to and learning from the people committed to making the goal of the project a reality. Many people inside EIP look like me, which was refreshing and reassuring beyond words. Hearing their stories of both struggle and success as they rose to the prominent positions they hold today was inspiring. These individuals also added much needed insight and advice on next steps in both my educational and professional careers. Overall, interning with the Equity In Infrastructure Project was such a valuable experience for me, and I hope to use the tools and resources gained through them to propel me further in my career.
What I wish was different
Advice
I would advise future interns to be open and get comfortable. The sooner you become acclimated to the environment and feel comfortable carrying conversation with the people you work with, the experience will become much more lucrative and enjoyable for you.
