The crew I worked with has been incredibly helpful and the job has presented a variety of tasks and projects. I had some long days and some very long weeks throughout the summer that kept me busy.
What I wish was different
I wish I went in with more confidence. I always second guessed what I was doing and what I knew. I was always able to ask for help.
Advice
The only way to learn is by doing. I didn't know a lot at the beginning and I had to ask a lot of questions. There is still a lot I don't know but I like to say "at least now I know what questions to ask".
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Construction Intern
June - September 2019 • Ontario, OR
What I liked
I loved getting to see a wide variety of construction activities and learn from/work with a ton of different people who each had their own advice and experiences.
What I wish was different
I wish that there had more consistency in the amount of work (or at least I wish it had been made clearer that there wasn't a lot of consistency in the amount of work). Some days, there wasn't enough work to keep myself (or anybody else) busy at the desk and other times I would work 14+ hour days and be busy that entire time. That being said, the job was in construction and that is the nature of the work.
Advice
Be prepared to work a lot of hours. Also, it is very much a job where you will only learn as much as you put into it, so ask a lot of questions
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Survey Technician
June - December 2018 • Salem, OR
What I liked
Travel, industry experience, coworkers
What I wish was different
More upfront communication about scheduling expectations
Advice
Absolutely fantastic
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Survey Intern
June - September 2018 • White City, OR
What I liked
A great experience. ODOT provided a huge amount of experience that will greatly aid in my career. The formal surveying program that ODOT set up aimed to let me experience everything that they do. I also very much enjoyed working 10 hour days and having Friday off.
What I wish was different
Sometimes job security does more harm than good. The public's view of government worker is generally unfounded, but there is still a lot of inefficiency and some laziness within the public workforce.
Advice
Put yourself out there. Be known. Employers want to see ambition in the people they hire, especially in interns.
