Earlier this summer, I joined the PC team as an office engineer intern at the Motts Run Water Treatment Plant in Fredericksburg, Virginia. With a mixture of nervousness and excitement, I didn’t know what to expect but knew I was ready to learn as much as possible. From the beginning, the PC team welcomed me, immediately making me feel a part of the project. As a rising junior at Western Carolina University, I had already learned vital skills in the classroom, including Human Factors & Safety (OSHA-30), surveying and estimating, but working in the field on a complex water treatment plant is a different level of education. It opened my eyes to many new scopes and disciplines.
Being a part of such a communicative and collaborative team allowed me to be involved with the various project phases, from surveying to commissioning. Among the more complex tasks was using surveying equipment with my fellow engineers to grade and, in particular, field-measuring fiberglass ladders before fabrication. Additionally, I measured the elevations of welded beams before the erection of precast roof planks and also assisted with excavation layout. I learned to review shop drawings in several submittal packages and worked closely with manufacturers when coordination issues arose. For example, when I noticed a railing was restricting an oscillating HVAC damper, I field-measured the correct clearance and coordinated with the vendor.
Other project opportunities included performing quantity takeoffs for various materials ahead of communicating with vendors and suppliers for procurement. I completed a takeoff of stem extensions for submerged gate valves – using calculations based on the dimensions of each valve and the final grade elevation – and then corresponded these with the proper size of stem extension.
Another rewarding moment came when I worked with the senior commissioning manager to create a master equipment log. We reviewed all the piping and instrumentation diagrams and then recorded all key information, including spec, system, equipment, quantity, tag number and manufacturer. It was highly motivating to see my work have a positive impact on the project.
Additional highlights of my onsite experience included participating in weekly project look-ahead meetings, coordination meetings and office staff meetings. Together, these meetings allowed me to see everyone’s contributions come together and cultivate smooth and timely site operations. I was even able to hone my skills on key software platforms, including Bluebeam Revu and Procore, as essential technology tools to keep the project moving forward.
This comprehensive and enlightening experience has made me more confident, capable and motivated for my future in the construction industry. I am proud of the impact I made in such a short time, and I want to thank the PC project team for encouraging me to get involved and always taking the time to answer all my questions. I will miss my teammates, certainly. It’s easy to see how much PC puts people first, and I appreciated it immensely.
As I return to college this fall, I am committed to incorporating the PC values into my everyday life. At the end of the day, we are all BUILDING STRONGER, TOGETHER.
