Reinforce your education through a practical, hands-on work experience. Our programs allow you to learn more and help you set career goals.
About Connor
- Hometown: Whitewater, WI
- School: University of Wisconsin-Platteville, Civil Engineering
About Jessica
- Hometown: Originally Fort Pierce, FL, now in Portsmouth, VA
- School: Old Dominion University, Civil Engineering Technology and Norfolk State University, Construction Management Engineering Technology
What made you interested in your chosen field / degree?
I am interested in the constant demand for exceptional work and attention to detail. I also like the idea of being able to see the process and result of projects on a day-to-day basis. –Connor
After I began at ECS as a CMT intern, my interest in the geotechnical field grew. This led to me double majoring in Civil Engineering Technology. My interest was further solidified after I attended the 2019 ASCE Geo Congress. -Jessica
What interested you in ECS?
The motto GRIT really caught my attention because my family believes in everything the motto represents. I believe that I live by the motto. –Connor
After I had transferred from Tidewater Community College to Norfolk State University, I began searching for an internship so that I could get a good grasp on the many directions my degree could take me. After I began working at ECS, I quickly saw and witnessed the family environment and the emphasis that is put on rewarding quality work and that definitely motivated me. -Jessica
What was the most fun experience you had at ECS?
Laying out borings near the coast of Lake Michigan because the view from the sites were breathtaking. –Connor
The most fun experience I have had has to be a toss-up between the employee BBQ in the Spring and assisting the environmental department with a Phase II Environmental Assessment for the first time. -Jessica
Has your experience with ECS had an impact on your career goals?
Yes – I have been debating switching to Construction Materials Testing (CMT), but now I know getting my Civil Engineering degree is exactly what I want because I enjoy what I have done in my Co-op so much. –Connor
After my first summer at ECS, I made the decision to double major in the Civil Engineering Technology degree so that I can sit for the Fundamentals of Engineering exam. This has also led me to apply for graduate school to pursue a Master of Science in Civil Engineering. -Jessica
What advice or tips do you have for anyone thinking about interning with ECS?
Come eager to learn and understand that everything you’re learning has a purpose. Buy a journal/notebook to take notes while learning how to complete lab tests, use programs and fieldwork. It’s always great to have a reminder when you forget or debate the way of doing something. –Connor
The best advice I would give is to utilize the field book. Take notes, especially regarding ASTM and AASHTO standards, and eventually laboratory testing procedures will become muscle memory. Asking questions for clarification is only helpful if you make note of the answer so that you can refer to it at a later date. -Jessica
What‘s the greatest bit of advice a parent or mentor has given you?
This is a learning experience. Don’t expect to do everything perfect your first time. Learn from those mistakes and take note of them, so you don’t do them again. –Connor
Working hard to understand technical aspects of projects as well as focusing on the quality of your work will set you apart from others. -Jessica
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Check out our Career Fairs Calendar for more information and discover how ECS creates opportunity for growth. Who knows, [with the right training] you may even get to jump off a building!
Thanks to Connor and Jessica for sharing their experience.