Internship Experiences in the 1 Year MS
The internship spans a semester, comprising 13 weeks of full-time work at a design firm and two weeks dedicated to report writing and preparation for the final oral presentation. During the internship, students will be under the direct supervision of a Professional Engineer or Project Manager, receiving task assignments and guidance from them. A faculty advisor will also be assigned to provide feedback and consultation as needed. At the end of the internship, students will make a formal presentation about their internship experience.
Learning Objectives
During the internship, participants advance their technical skills through hands-on experience with the tools and technologies used in their field; experience various aspects of the design and analysis/application processes; develop their communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills; and practice working independently and managing their time effectively.
Internship Duties and Responsibilities
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Structures
Structural Internship Duties and Responsibilities
When it comes to an effective internship, a wide range of tasks and duties could meet the anticipated learning objectives of the One-year Master’s Program. It is expected that the intern’s core duties and responsibilities will be directly related to structural engineering. Although interns will likely have the opportunity to engage with various projects, a specific focus should be placed on contributing to structural design and analysis. The following are examples of duties and responsibilities that can be beneficial for students participating in this internship program:
- Conduct analysis of building structures by implementing the fundamentals of structural mechanics
- Design structural systems or components using computer-aided design software and engineering principles
- Apply and interpret building codes, standards, and regulations
- Draft technical reports that describe design assumptions, methods, and results
- Participate in project site visits to develop a better understanding of construction techniques and materials
- Investigate the causes of structural failures and develop recommendations (structural forensics)
- Observe construction project management and learn about the design-build process
- Collaborate across disciplines with mechanical and electrical engineers, architects, project managers, or business developers
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Environmental
Environmental Internship Duties and Responsibilities
When it comes to an effective internship, a wide range of tasks and duties could meet the anticipated learning objectives of the One-year Master’s Program. It is expected that the intern’s core duties and responsibilities will be directly related to environmental engineering. Although interns will likely have the opportunity to engage with various projects, a specific focus should be placed on contributing to environmental engineering design and analysis. The following are examples of duties and responsibilities that can be beneficial for students participating in this internship program:
- Conduct analysis of water or wastewater treatment infrastructure
- Design stormwater management systems using software and engineering principles
- Conduct an assessment of air pollutant emissions/exposures based on relevant standards and regulations
- Design remedial activities related to soil or water pollution.
- Draft technical reports that describe design assumptions, methods, and results
- Participate in project site visits to develop a better understanding of site assessment techniques and project implementation
- Investigate the causes of pollution events
- Observe project management
- Collaborate across disciplines with other engineering disciplines, environmental scientists, project managers, or business developers
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Transportation
Transportation Internship Duties and Responsibilities
When it comes to an effective internship, a wide range of tasks and duties could meet the anticipated learning objectives of the One-year Master’s Program. It is expected that the intern’s core duties and responsibilities will be directly related to transportation engineering. Although interns will likely have the opportunity to engage with various projects, a specific focus should be placed on contributing to transportation systems design and analysis. The following are examples of duties and responsibilities that can be beneficial for students participating in this internship program:
- Conduct data collection and analysis of transportation systems such as freeways/highways, traffic controls, transit services, supply chain systems, etc.
- Conduct safety, performance, and reliability evaluation of transportation systems and services through advanced data analysis and statistical methods
- Design elements of transportation system, e.g., road segments, intersections, or transit routes/facilities, using engineering principles and software tools
- Conduct financial and environmental assessment of transportation projects
- Participate in project site visits to develop a better understanding of site assessment techniques and project implementation
- Draft technical reports that describe design/analysis assumptions, methods, results, and policy and equity implications
- Observe and participate in project management activities
- Collaborate across disciplines with other engineers, urban planners, environmental planners, project managers, or business developers
For further information
Contact
Dr. Ebrahim Shemshadian
Director of the One-Year Master’s Program in Structural Engineering
[email protected]