Author: Lana Piskorowski
In celebration of National Intern Day on July 27th, we shine a spotlight on two exceptional interns, Ajeena Baby and Naman Sharma, who are currently making significant contributions at MWH’s Phoenix office. As they reflect on their experiences, Ajeena and Naman share how the company culture and work environment have been supportive and instrumental in their personal and professional growth.
Their time at MWH has provided them with valuable skills and knowledge that will undoubtedly propel them toward successful careers in the engineering and construction industry. Join us as we delve into their transformative internship journey and its profound impact on their futures.
What initially attracted you to MWH?
AB: What initially attracted me to MWH was the company's reputation for innovative projects in the water and wastewater Industry. MWH’s emphasis on employee development and its strong focus on fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace were major draws. Additionally, the global presence and involvement in challenging projects appealed to my desire for a dynamic and impactful internship experience.
NS: I was initially drawn to MWH due to its remarkable history that spans over two centuries and its focus on critical areas such as water, wastewater, and energy. The company's long-standing presence in the industry showcased its stability and expertise, which appealed to me as a prospective intern. Additionally, the opportunity to work on projects that directly address essential global challenges, particularly in the fields of water and energy, excited me and made me realize the potential impact I could have during my internship.
How would you describe the company culture and work environment from an intern's perspective?
AB: From an intern's perspective, the company culture at MWH is welcoming and supportive. Everyone, from fellow intern to senior executives, is approachable and willing to provide guidance. The work environment at MWH is conducive to learning and growth. The company's culture of open communication fostered a positive atmosphere where learning from mistakes was embraced, and continuous improvement was valued.
NS: From an intern's perspective, the company culture and work environment at MWH were exceptionally welcoming and supportive. From my first day, I was warmly greeted by friendly and polite colleagues who made an effort to make me feel like a valuable member of the team. Despite being an intern, I never felt overlooked or sidelined; instead, people were genuinely eager to guide and assist me whenever needed. The collaborative atmosphere fostered open communication and the exchange of ideas, allowing me to not only learn from my assigned tasks but also gain valuable insights from experienced professionals.
So far, how has this internship helped you grow personally and/or professionally?
AB: This internship has been a transformative experience for me. The personal growth I've experienced during this internship has been remarkable. Professionally, I've gained proficiency in various software tools used in the industry and developed a deeper understanding of the industry. On a personal level, the internship has boosted my confidence, and I've learned valuable time management and prioritization skills.
NS: This internship has been an incredibly enriching experience that has significantly contributed to both my personal and professional growth. On a personal level, I have honed strong organizational skills by efficiently managing multiple tasks and meeting deadlines. The ability to prioritize effectively and actively seek guidance and feedback has been instrumental in enhancing my time management abilities. Professionally, my communication skills have seen remarkable improvement through regular interactions with team members from diverse backgrounds and areas of expertise. The exposure to a corporate environment has taught me the invaluable lessons of adaptability and effective communication in a professional setting. Additionally, I seized the opportunity to learn various software tools that have enhanced my professional skills. It has been a learning journey filled with invaluable experiences, both on a personal and professional level. I am grateful for the supportive and encouraging environment that allowed me to thrive and make the most out of this transformative opportunity.
What skills or knowledge have you acquired that you believe will be valuable in your future career endeavors?
AB: My internship at MWH has provided me with a diverse skill set and in-depth knowledge of water and wastewater treatment structures, estimation techniques, software proficiency, and adaptability. The experience at MWH has provided me with a strong foundation in teamwork and effective communication I am grateful for this invaluable experience, and I'm excited to carry these skills forward into my future endeavors in the engineering and construction industry.
NS: During my internship at MWH, I had the opportunity to develop several skills that I believe will be highly valuable in my future career endeavors. Firstly, I gained experience in estimating the costs of large-scale projects, which is a critical skill in many industries, especially in engineering and construction. Furthermore, interacting with professionals at different levels in the organizational hierarchy has improved my ability to communicate effectively and adapt my communication style based on the audience. Learning to work alongside senior engineers has provided me with valuable insights into the decision-making processes and strategies employed by experienced professionals. Overall, this internship has equipped me with a strong foundation to pursue a successful career in my field, and I am grateful for the learning opportunities and support provided by MWH throughout my time here.