By Grace Eder
Grace is a junior in McCormick majoring in Environmental Engineering and minoring in Creative Writing.
Describe your summer internship.
At ECS, my title was “Environmental Intern,” although it could just as easily have been “Private-Eye Detective.” A lot of my work, whether in the office or out in the field, felt like an investigation. I helped out with Phase I and II Environmental Site Assessments, in which we tell clients if a property has environmental contamination and advise them on remediation. For a Phase I, I would dig through historic aerial images, research US geology data, visit the site in-person to snap photos, and interview people with knowledge of the area. For a Phase II, I would characterize soil from borings in the ground, field-screen samples for contamination, install monitoring wells to collect groundwater, package soil and water samples for lab analysis, and compare lab results to threshold levels that the EPA determines.
Explain how you learned about the opportunity. What resources were especially helpful in your internship search?
I attended a talk by a Northwestern alum who worked at ECS Chicago for several years post-graduation. She shared some great stories about her experience there. When I reached out to her, she connected me with recruiters in the Mid-Atlantic office and gave me advice on my application. I am so grateful for her help and her friendship.
What did you enjoy most about the experience?
When an engineer hits rocky road, she does not say, “okay, I give up.” She says, “It is what it is. Now how can I improve it?” I heard those words over and over this summer. I admired the grit and perseverance of my coworkers. I also appreciated the female representation in my office and the support from strong professional women.
What is the biggest takeaway from your internship?
There is no such thing as a “typical” day at ECS. I spent a few of the summer days in the air-conditioned office to learn about behind-the-scenes project management. Otherwise, I bounced around to many different sites: elementary schools, abandoned penitentiaries, university hospitals, auto repair shops, construction excavations, and shopping centers. The wide range made me more flexible and open-minded, two qualities that are important for any career.
What advice do you have for students pursuing internships that will help them be most successful?
Put your phone aside and immerse yourself in the experience. Learn as much as possible from the people around you; they all have stories to share.