The environment encourages teamwork and open communication, with an emphasis on safety and valuing contributions from all team members.
Name: Albert Santos Nkugwa
Major: Civil Engineering
Employer: MD State Highway Administration
Location: Baltimore, MD
How did you find the internship/co-op? What was the interview process like? I found my internship through a career fair at the University of Maryland. While attending the fair, I interacted with the team's representatives, who were impressed with my background and enthusiasm. They advised me to apply online and provided me with a scan code to access the application on their website.
There was no official interview process. Instead, I submitted an online application where I included my resume and wrote extensively about my experiences and how I could contribute to the organization. Based on this application and my interaction at the career fair, I received offers in two departments of the State Highway Administration (SHA): Structures and Highways.
Overall, the process was straightforward and took about three weeks from the initial career fair meeting to receiving the offers. I found it to be a great learning experience and felt that it was fair and comprehensive.
What have been the most interesting aspects of your internship? The most interesting aspects of my internship at the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) in the Structures Inspection and Remedial Engineering Division have been conducting field engineering evaluations of structural defects, performing detailed structural ratings, and developing construction plans using advanced software like Bentley's MicroStation, AssetWise, ProjectWise, and LARS Bridge. Additionally, participating in site visits provided invaluable hands-on experience, while working alongside experienced engineers fostered collaborative problem-solving.
How would you describe the company culture? What was the most helpful thing your supervisor did to make you feel comfortable at the organization? The company culture is collaborative, supportive, and focused on professional growth. The environment encourages teamwork and open communication, with an emphasis on safety and valuing contributions from all team members. The most helpful thing my supervisor did to make me feel comfortable was providing comprehensive orientation and ongoing support, including regular check-ins and constructive feedback, which helped me quickly acclimate to my role and feel valued as part of the team.
Did the internship provide a solid education in professional ethics? If so, how? Yes, through formal training sessions that emphasized ethical standards and practices in engineering, safety protocols, compliance with regulatory requirements, and cybersecurity. The program also included phased quizzes about professional ethics at work, reinforcing our understanding and application of ethical principles.
Was there a formal program for all interns at the company? Was peer support available throughout the internship? There was a formal program for all interns at MDOT, which included comprehensive orientation, training sessions, and regular check-ins to ensure we were progressing well. Peer support was readily available throughout the internship, with experienced engineers.
What advice would you give other UMD engineering students seeking an internship or co-op position? My advice for other UMD engineering students seeking an internship or co-op position is to take full advantage of the resources available through the university, such as career fairs, the career center, and networking events. Prepare thoroughly by polishing your resume, practicing your interview skills, and researching companies of interest. During the application process, highlight your relevant coursework, projects, and any hands-on experience.
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