IEA Aspire Internship: Building the Foundation for Project Success
Celebrating Growth: How IEA Inc.’s Internship Program Prepares Future Engineers for Real-World Project Success
Internships are the critical bridge for young adults transitioning from academic environments into the workforce. They offer hands-on experience, allowing interns to apply classroom knowledge to real-world projects. Moreover, internships help develop professional skills and offer insights into potential careers.
A returning intern, Ruben Castillo, played a key role in several projects. For example, he worked with Ethan Bright and Ryan Ely on modeling a storm system in OpenRoads for SL 340. This project involved placing inlets and culverts and preparing Plan and Profile (P&P) sheets. The team presented their work, focusing on the project’s purpose, location, and challenges. Consequently, Ruben gained valuable experience in stormwater management and teamwork.
Additionally, Ruben worked with Sajjan and Brandon on the Cheyenne Road project. He updated drainage sheets, storm sewer P&P, lateral profiles, and cost estimations. Ruben’s ability to manage multiple complex tasks highlighted his skills and commitment. This experience gave him a broad understanding of project management.
ETHAN BRIGHT | FORT WORTH | DRAINAGE
Ethan Bright, another returning intern, actively contributed to several projects. He was part of the team modeling the storm system for SL 340. This experience helped Ethan improve his collaborative design skills. Furthermore, he worked with Jose in the Houston office on a TexRail project. He helped revise inlet drainage areas and times of concentration for the storm system.
In addition, Ethan assisted with the FM 847 and SH 18 projects. He modeled culverts, designed underdrains, addressed QAQC comments, and prepared submittals. His versatility and thoroughness were crucial to our projects, giving him practical exposure to civil engineering.
ASHTON HOWELL | FORT WORTH | DRAINAGE
Ashton Howell focused on the SH 18 drainage ditch design during his internship. He calculated runoff coefficients and times of concentration using Excel and ArcGIS Pro. Ashton presented his findings as part of his internship project, showcasing his analytical skills and attention to detail.
Moreover, Ashton worked on the SL 340 project with Ruben, Ethan, and Ryan. His tasks included sizing ditches and ensuring designs fit within the right-of-way. Ashton’s drafting and calculations for FM 847 and SH 18 reflected his growing expertise in OpenRoads Design software. This experience prepared him for future engineering projects.
RYAN ELY | DALLAS | DRAINAGE
Ryan Ely, a veteran of the IEA Achieve program, played a significant role in several projects. He worked on the TexRail project with Jose in Houston. There, he refined inlet drainage areas and times of concentration. Ryan’s involvement in the SL 340 storm system project with Ruben and Ethan showed his collaborative skills and technical knowledge.
These experiences gave Ryan a strong foundation in civil engineering and project management. Ryan’s ability to excel in multiple demanding projects highlighted his potential. His hands-on involvement prepared him for the complexities of a professional engineering career.
ANKITA SHRESTHA | FORT WORTH | ROADWAY
Ankita Shrestha worked on the SH 18 schematic production in our Fort Worth office. She updated callouts, verified dimensions, and improved legends for roll plots. Although she was new to the OpenRoads Designer application, Ankita quickly adapted. Her dedication to learning and proactive approach were commendable. This experience provided her with essential skills for a career in civil engineering design.
Ankita’s efforts to understand and apply the Roadway Design Manual showed her commitment to growth. Her quick learning and effective contributions prove her potential in the engineering field.
MEREDITH NEWTON | FORT WORTH | ROADWAY
Meredith Newton’s work on the CapEX project has been outstanding. She used OpenRoads Designer tools to draw and dimension existing and proposed sections for cross streets on IH 35. Additionally, she created and printed section sheets for the 30% plan set and added callouts to the Plan and Profile sheets.
Meredith’s ability to quickly grasp new concepts and attention to detail contributed to the project’s success. Her proactive approach and efficiency in complex tasks made her a valuable team member.
CARSON KEITH | HOUSTON | AVIATION
Carson Keith worked on several aviation-related projects. He showed strong problem-solving skills and technical knowledge. For instance, he reviewed the as-built plans for the HOU Runway 13R-31L Rehabilitation project and created a PDF correlating existing utilities with the as-built conditions. Additionally, he worked on the Aviation Details Library, updating CAD standards and developing missing details. His attention to detail and commitment to quality were clear.
GOODBYE, FOR NOW.
Our interns at Aspire have consistently demonstrated exceptional skill, dedication, and a willingness to learn. Their contributions have been invaluable to our projects, and their growth throughout the internship program is a testament to their hard work and the supportive environment we strive to provide. We are proud of their achievements and look forward to their continued success in their professional journeys!
