- Major: Civil Engineering – Structures and Construction Concentrations
- Company: Turner, TDOT
- Graduation Year: 2023
- E-mail: hmalik1@vols.utk.edu
Profile
Over the past couple years, I have interned with three companies. My first internship was with the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) in Knoxville, TN. I worked in the construction division for a summer and got to experience working in transportation. Some of my responsibilities consisted of communicating with contractors and workers on-site to ensure road safety and proper traffic flow, reviewing architectural and traffic drawings, and determining cost calculations for concrete road repairs. Additionally, I worked with Tuner Construction in Nashville for two semesters on the expansion of the St. Thomas Midtown Surgery and ICU. My role was similar to that of a project management engineer. I helped manage the construction of that hospital by ensuring Quality Assurance and Quality Control throughout the project, communicating effectively with the subcontractors, superintendents, engineers, architect, and the design team. I also helped maintain time management of the project’s progress. Lastly, I worked for WSP in Nashville for a summer. This internship was in the Structures division of the company. I got to work alongside Structural engineers on bridges around the country. I helped determine substructure and superstructure concrete and reinforcement quantities and performed load analysis on bridges. I also got to work on alternative beam options for a bridge design in Chattanooga, TN.
I decided to co-op because I felt like getting the real world/ industry experience was necessary for me as I made career related decisions. There is so much more that can be added on top of what we are taught in classes and an internship or co-op is an excellent way to do that.
One of the most valuable lessons I have learned throughout my co-op opportunities is the importance of communication. Whether it be through email, phone call, text, or even in-person, efficient communication is key.
My co-op opportunities have not only helped me pick my concentrations within civil engineering but have also helped me realize what specific field I want to get into upon graduation. This has made me feel more confident about my choices for the future.
A co-op assignment is so much more than just working for a company for a few months. Through the co-op process, you learn so much about yourself, meet new people, and of course gain valuable experience. Some of my closest friends right now I met through my various co-op assignments. Working in any company helps you increase your contacts and build connections that may help you as you begin your career. I highly recommend obtaining a co-op assignment to everyone and would say that it is never too late to look into it if you haven’t already.
I really enjoy drawing and painting; I find myself doing that quite often. Also, whenever I get the chance, I love to explore new places and travel with friends and family.
