Our student this week is Jennifer Norwood, a civil engineering major who accepted a co-op at Southern Company located in Atlanta, Georgia. Norwood describes the department she worked in and what her main responsibilities were.
“I worked in the Turbine Island/Balance of Plant group on the construction site of Vogtle 3 & 4 under construction compliance,” she said. “I was responsible for overseeing the construction of the First Bay area as well as overseeing on both turbine islands. This includes looking at rebar, embeds, and concrete pours and making sure they align with the latest drawings, design changes, and specs.”
Entering a traditionally male-dominated career area was a challenge that Norwood had to overcome on this assignment.
Being a female in construction is very different,” she said. “I had to be on top of my game and know the drawings, specs, and stay up to date on design changes. I took every opportunity to be in the field so I could gain experience to add to my credibility. Once my fellow peers realized I was serious about my job and knew what I was talking about, they respected me and saw me as a peer instead of a student.”
Norwood earned a particularly valuable benefit from this co-op assignment.
“I received a job offer and will return to the site after this co-op rotation as a full-time employee,” said Norwood.