ECS would like to introduce you to our 2022 Summer Interns! Emma Peterson is working in our Cleveland, OH office. We got a chance to ask Emma a few questions to get to know her a little better.
Where do you go to school?
I’m about to start my fourth year at Case Western Reserve University where I am studying civil engineering with a concentration in structural engineering.
Where are you from?
I grew up outside of Seattle, WA but have been living in northern Virginia since graduating high school.
How did find ECS?
I found the opportunity to intern at ECS online. When looking for a summer internship, I found positions through Google, LinkedIn, and Handshake.
What made you interested in civil engineering?
I’ve always enjoyed studying math and admire the problem-solving component of engineering. I chose civil engineering specifically because I think it’s interesting working on buildings and maintaining infrastructure that helps society function. Civil engineering is a broad field and interconnected with other specialties which I’ve already begun to see during my time with ECS.
Why did you choose ECS?
I chose ECS because I had previous experience with a research position in a structures lab and wanted to expand upon my knowledge in a commercial setting. This internship has helped me to build a great foundational knowledge of the civil engineering field.
What is the coolest thing you have done so far?
The coolest thing I’ve gotten to do at ECS is being able to go out and shadow on jobsites. I’ve learned so much from the people I speak to on site and get to see how my classroom knowledge applies in a professional setting.
What do you hope to do in the future and how is ECS helping to make that happen?
I’m hoping to work in structural design, and my ECS internship has exposed me to many aspects of construction that must be considered for building a stable structure.
Has your experience with ECS had an impact on your career goals? If so, how?
My experience at ECS has encouraged me to be really push towards the career I’m aiming for. After talking with some of the full-time employees I’ve met at ECS and hearing about how they’ve created a work-life balance, it gives me hope that although I expect engineering to be a challenging job, I can still have time and energy to pursue my hobbies and possibly build a family in the future.
What has surprised you about working at ECS?
What’s surprised me about working at ECS is how knowledgeable the employees I’ve met are in different specialties. One employee at ECS may wear many hats and have an in-depth knowledge and certifications in a combination of concrete, soils, project management, equipment maintenance and geophysics.
What advice would you give to future interns?
Ask as many questions as possible. I learn the most from talking to my co-workers and hearing about their experiences.