Earlier this summer, I joined the Southeast Regional Water Reclamation Facility Expansion project team in Oak Hill, Florida, as an office engineer intern. With a mixture of excitement and ambition, I didn’t know exactly what to expect but was eager to learn and contribute as much as possible. From the very beginning, the PC Team welcomed me warmly, immediately making me feel included and valued.
As an intern, I had already gained a handful of important skills as a junior in the M.E. Rinker, Sr. School of Construction Management at the University of Florida. During my studies, I obtained my OSHA 30 certification, general construction knowledge, and became familiar with programs such as Bluebeam and Navisworks. However, working directly onsite all summer offered a whole new perspective and hands-on learning that went beyond the classroom.
Being part of such a collaborative and engaging team allowed me to play a role in various phases of the project, from helping with project startup to being a part of the excavation/shoring for the secondary clarifier. One of my most challenging and rewarding tasks involved combining all the yard pipe drawings and generating a list of materials needed. I then reconciled that list with the materials that had already been delivered and those that were purchased but had not yet arrived. This was a crucial task because we were eagerly waiting for pipes/fittings to be put in the ground to ensure the schedule remained on track.
I used a methodical process to complete this assignment. First, I used Bluebeam to mark up the drawings and measure pipe lengths to determine quantities. I also referenced the 3D model to ensure all pipes were accounted for. Some challenges I faced included understanding the plant schematic and how each structure interacts with others, and knowing which pipe/fitting is needed in each scenario. I learned so much throughout this process, including how to read yard pipe/under slab pipe drawings, details about various pipe materials, and how to best coordinate with our supplier.
Along with my numerous office responsibilities, I also had the opportunity to use and get comfortable with the Trimble GPS. I learned to fully set up and use the GPS and how to use it to shoot points to excavate for pipe and check for accuracy after installation. It was fulfilling to see how my efforts contributed to the overall project success!
I also took on assignments in planning and procurement. A particularly meaningful moment was when I completed my first work plan for the pressure testing of all pipes onsite. There was a lot that went into this task but, working closely with Project Superintendent Brendan Flood and Project Director Andrew Crouse, I gained confidence and a deeper understanding of what really goes into making an accurate and effective work plan. It motivated me to not only keep developing my skills but push myself further.
My days were also filled with numerous meetings where I developed an appreciation for the teamwork and coordination required to keep the project running smoothly. Additionally, I substantially enhanced my proficiency in Bluebeam and Procore, which is an essential component for modern project management.
This experience has made me more motivated and eager to be a part of construction, and I feel better prepared for a career in this industry. I am proud of the contributions I made and grateful for the support and guidance from the PC team. I will definitely miss working with them but will carry these lessons forward as I continue my journey.