STEP Post-Project Reflection

STEP Post-Project Reflection

Grace Schuppe

1. My STEP project was based on my internship this summer at KPFF Louisville. I was surrounded by a group of structural engineers and was able to edit construction documents, input data into a project database, perform site visits and reports, and check shop drawings.
2. Through my STEP project, I was able to better understand the world of structural engineering. Before this summer I didn’t know exactly what the job entailed or what steps to take to become a professional engineer. Now, I have mentors in place to guide me towards my future goals and towards becoming a structural engineer. What I learned this summer allowed me to see more of the civil engineering world than I would have previously been exposed to just through school. I know myself better and see how my future career could impact the world around me. I want to be able to effect the lives around me through the work I do. Having this internship allowed me to see how impactful structural work can be towards serving the public. Before this internship I did not realize how much I wanted to serve the public and create something to help the lives of those in my community. I am beyond grateful for my experience at KPFF and how it opened me up to understand how important the community is for me and my future career and personal goals.
3. KPFF Louisville employed each of the interns with a mentor who would help guide us during our summer and beyond. The relationship I formed with my mentor allowed me to feel comfortable asking questions about the profession in general and about my future plans. This relationship allowed me to transform my outlook on the profession and set goals for myself.

I was also able to go on many site visits during my summer, including a trip to see several medical hubs in Washington DC. I’ve never been on site visits prior to this summer, so to be able to go on so many was a great experience. Site visits definitely allowed me to see multiple disciplines and better understand the innerworkings of the profession.

Finally, the ability to develop an understanding of the BIM software, Revit, was another big stepping stone in my education. While I had learned similar software programs in the past it was a nice confidence boost to be able to quickly learn and adapt to the new software. This showed me that while I may not know exactly how to do something at first, I can quickly learn and adapt. This is similar to how I feel about my overall goal of becoming a structural engineer, that over time I will learn and adapt and reach my goals.

4. This transformation will allow me to make informed decisions regarding my future and my goals. Without the knowledge I learned over this summer I would still be guessing as to what I want and how I should go about getting there. Academically, I know which classes to focus more effort into and know what steps I need to fulfill the necessary education requirements to become a professional engineer. Professionally, I have grown my network of connections and am able to have a better visual for my future career plans. Personally, I took on a challenge and discovered that I love to learn. This summer has truly allowed me to grow as a person and develop a greater respect and understanding of structural engineering.
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