My name is Ali Alzubi, and I’m a solid waste engineering intern working at CEC’s Sacramento office. Since this is my last summer before graduating with my bachelor’s, I knew it would be important to find an internship that would help me post-grad. My experience this summer was unique in that CEC currently only has one office in California. Because there is so much space between us and the other offices, we’re a little more isolated. We’re also a smaller office, but just because we’re small doesn’t mean we don’t work hard!
Getting In
If you had told me a year ago that I’d be working in landfill design, I wouldn’t have believed you. It’s such a niche field, and I never would have thought to look into it on my own. I first connected with CEC through a networking event with my school’s geotechnical engineering club, where I met a project manager from the company. I emailed my resume to her, not expecting much, but a few months later, I got a phone call from the recruitment team that led to an interview, and the rest is history.
Daily Routine
My day usually starts at 8:30, when I come into the office and sit at my cubicle. I can’t function without caffeine, so if I don’t already have an energy drink, I’ll head to the breakroom and make myself some coffee. Then I’ll get to work on whatever project I’m currently on. If I don’t have one, I’ll either work on a side project or ask if anyone needs help. I’ve been taking a remote class this summer, so I’ll break for that at 11:00, three days a week. Otherwise, I usually keep working until 12:30, when I eat lunch. At 1:00, I get back to work and then usually leave at 5:00. Every day is different—there are days when I might come in earlier or leave later, depending on whether I’m going out on a field visit or not.
Expectation vs. Reality
Although I’ve had two previous internships, one wasn’t engineering-related and the other was in a lab, so I only had a vague idea of what I could expect. I figured I’d be doing some drafting and going on site visits, but it turned out that I was thinking too narrowly. One thing that surprised me was how much I’d use my writing skills, even in engineering. As an intern, I’ve helped write proposals, worked on permitting, and sent more emails than I can count. I also didn’t think that I’d be on the phone so much, calling municipal agencies, construction suppliers, clients, etc. Working at CEC has shown me the little details that go into an engineering project, which we normally don’t learn about in school.
How has This Internship Prepared Me?
Before this internship, I wasn’t sure how I’d fare in an actual engineering environment. I graduate in a few months and was worried about whether I could handle the work I’d be doing, but after this summer, I feel prepared for what’s to come after I graduate. I’ve also really enjoyed being able to visit sites on the job since it has helped me make the connection between the work I do in the office and the work being done in the field. I’ve gained knowledge that I can use when I go back to school or go to grad school, since it will help me contextualize the information I’m learning. I’d like to stay on with CEC after I graduate, but I’m confident that the skills I’ve learned here will help me wherever I end up.
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