What do you do if you want to leave a lasting mark during your civil engineering internship?

Volunteer for tasks and projects beyond your assigned duties; don’t hesitate to ask questions as this shows your eagerness to learn, demonstrate your problem solving skills by proposing potential solution when encountering a problem, and seek feedback from your supervisor and use it to improve your performance and personality.

While the text emphasizes proactivity in seeking out tasks, consider showcasing your problem-solving skills. Identify inefficiencies in ongoing projects and suggest solutions. This demonstrates your ability to think critically and find creative approaches to real-world challenges.

Use your research skills to research the company before starting your internship and familiarize yourself with their projects. Your academic background in civil engineering can help you understand the project and review its documentation and specifications. Also, identifying which concepts from your coursework are applicable to the project can help you apply your theoretical knowledge in problem-solving and tackle challenges.

As a civil engineer, your internship is a chance to bridge the gap between theory and practice. Look for opportunities to apply your knowledge of sustainable building practices, like using recycled materials or incorporating energy-efficient designs. This will showcase your abilities and add value to your team.

Feedback isn't about getting graded, it's about getting better! Don't be shy about asking your supervisors for honest opinions on your work. Sure, it might be a little scary at first, but their insights can help you improve way faster than figuring things out on your own. Remember, even the coolest engineers were interns once, and they probably wish they asked more questions back in the day! So, ask away, learn from the feedback, and watch your skills soar.

Ask questions, lots of them. Show interest in what is being done and try to relate what you're learning at school to what you see at the office.

Seeking feedback is crucial for your growth, ask for feedback from your supervisors on how well you are learning and applying your knowledge during your internship. Depending on your internship’s duration, you can request periodic meetings with your supervisor to discuss your progress. Listen attentively, take notes if needed and avoid yes/no questions and ask open-ended questions that require your supervisor to provide detailed feedback.

From a Civil Engineer's perspective, while seeking feedback is essential, take initiative to showcase your skills. Actively participate in discussions, volunteer for tasks that allow you to apply your knowledge, and present your solutions to problems. This demonstrates your eagerness to contribute and helps you stand out during your internship.

Networking during your internship can be beneficial for your career development. Build relationships with your colleagues and supervisors, make sure to attend social gatherings and event organized by your internship company, don’t be afraid to introduce yourself to people and be visible and approachable, and connect with your supervisor and colleagues on social media to stay in touch even after your internship.

From a civil engineer's perspective, networking goes beyond attending events. While valuable, consider reaching out to professionals for informational interviews. These discussions allow you to learn about specific projects, specialties within civil engineering, and the day-to-day work of experienced engineers. This targeted approach demonstrates initiative and helps you gain insights beyond industry gatherings.

While going to events and meeting people is important, remember that engineering is a team sport! During your internship, show that you can be a great teammate by being a good communicator. This means explaining your ideas clearly, listening to others, and working together to solve problems. Being friendly and helpful goes a long way too. People are more likely to remember someone who's easy to work with and makes the job more enjoyable. So, smile, be polite, and show your willingness to learn from others. This "people stuff" might sound simple, but it can really make you stand out!

As a civil engineer, I recommend documenting your contributions beyond just what you've done. Briefly note the specific software you used, relevant codes you referenced, and any calculations you performed. This showcases your technical skills and knowledge base.

Documentation is important during an internship as it helps you keep track of your progress. Your notebook and camera are your friends during an internship; take photos and notes frequently to document your daily tasks, discussions, new and unfamiliar industry terms and methods, your supervisor’s notes, and project’s progress.

Always do your best to understand the tasks you've be assigned and how they contribute to the larger goal. Imagine trying to explain what you worked on to someone who isn't a civil engineer. Would they understand what you did all summer? You will need to describe what you worked on to a future employer. The simpler you can explain something, the better it will reflect on you. Be ok with asking "dumb" questions if they help you learn. In the long run it will pay off.