Intern Spotlight: Meet Joey Emmerson

This summer, we welcomed a talented group of interns who have brought fresh perspectives to WT Group. Our interns, spanning civil, structural, MEP, and design fields, were involved in exciting projects, site trips, and networking opportunities. We’re kicking off a series highlighting their experiences and career aspirations!

College

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Major

Environmental Engineering

What motivated you to apply for an internship at WT Group?

For me, the main motivator for applying for an internship at WT Group was to gain experience in my chosen field of study, since I feel that taking classes can only get you so far and you need additional hands-on experience to gain a full understanding of the field.

What was your favorite project or task?

Over the summer, I mainly worked on planning future pavement improvements for School District 47 in Crystal Lake. Since I focused on one project for the most part, I feel like I gathered knowledge on all of the different pieces that need to click into place for it to be complete, from design work to cost estimates, and meeting with clients and external contractors. Seeing the results of my hard work come to life was incredibly satisfying, making my efforts this summer feel truly valuable.

What new skills did you gain during your time with us?

Working on the School District 47 project greatly improved my organization, communication, and collaboration skills, due to all of the facets I had to keep track of, as well as corresponding with a number of different people to get the project done.

Are there any particular tools or technologies you have become proficient in or enjoyed working with?

Yes, I had ample experience with software such as Civil 3D and Nearmap, which I really got the hang of.

How do you think this experience will influence your career path?

The experience and skills that I learned are valuable for any future projects I may work on, so I am grateful that I had the chance to do so while working at WT Group. I enjoyed the work that I completed this summer, and believe I will likely pursue a similar career path.

Do you have any advice for future interns at WT Group?

Some advice that I would give to future interns is that what you are working on could shift from day to day, so try to stay organized. Also, communication is key! Try to make sure you know what you are working on, and communicate with others when you are unsure.