As a mechanical engineering student at USC, I’ve always been eager to see how the theories and concepts we learn in class apply to the real world. This summer, I had the chance to do just that during my internship with ARCO Murray, a national design-build general contractor. Working out of their Northern California office for the second summer in a row, I got a more thorough look at the construction industry and discovered how much more there is to construction than just calculations and blueprints.
One of the most exciting parts of my internship was visiting active construction sites. It’s one thing to study building design in architectural and civil drawings, but it’s another to see a project come to life right in front of you. It helped me see how important skills like problem-solving and attention to detail are on a construction site. It also taught me about adaptability. Unlike textbook problems with clear solutions, on a construction site, things don’t always go as planned. Weather changes, unexpected ground conditions, and last-minute design tweaks are just a few of the challenges that can arise. Learning to adapt and stay calm under pressure was one of the most important things I learned this summer.
Unlike my first internship with ARCO Murray last summer, this summer I spent most of my time in business development, which gave me a new perspective on the importance of communication. I also enjoyed this experience because it taught me that engineering isn’t just about solving technical problems—it’s also about working with people. Understanding the client’s needs and being able to present solutions in a way that makes sense to them is just as important as knowing how to calculate loads or design a system.
One of my other tasks this summer as part of a combined business development and project management effort was to create a flow chart and slide deck explaining the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) to beginners. This project was a great exercise in simplifying complex information. As students, we often deal with detailed and technical material, but being able to break down that information into something that’s easy to understand is a skill that’s incredibly useful in the real world.
Coming into senior year and refelcting on my summer, my advice to new students is simple: take advantage of every opportunity that comes your way. Whether it’s an internship, a club, or a challenging class, each experience will help you grow and discover your passions. Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. Try new things, meet new people, and embrace the learning process. College is a time to explore and find out what you’re really interested in, so make the most of it. And remember, it’s not just about the technical skills—you’ll also be building relationships and life skills that will benefit you long after you graduate.
