EGR 390 Co-op 2
Jacob
Experience Information
Employer: TowerPinkster
Job Title: Mechanical Engineering Intern
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Received Credit: Yes
Paid: Yes
Abroad: No
Description of the Organization
TowerPinkster is an architectural and engineering firm that focuses on creating places for individuals to live, work, and play. The firm has two offices, one in Kalamazoo, and the other in Grand Rapids, with approximately 150 employees. TowerPinkster's clients are mostly in commercial, healthcare, K-12 education, higher education, and government.
Description of the Tasks/Projects Completed
Throughout the co-op semester, I worked on several K-12 education projects that involved designing new mechanical systems (HVAC, mechanical equipment, and domestic plumbing). I was presented with a higher sense of responsibility from my previous co-op by being given the task of fully designing a new HVAC system for an elementary school with the guidance of a full-time engineer.
Skills/Knowledge Gained Through The Experience
I designed new mechanical systems using Autodesk Revit which is a building information modeling software used mainly by architects as well as MEP engineers. Through my heavy involvement within the design of construction projects, I was able to gain a substantial amount of information on how the process works as well as the different phases that occur during a specific project. I was forced to collaborate with other engineering disciplines as well as architects to ensure that building projects were being designed efficiently. I had the opportunity to go on site visits to witness how the building designs that TowerPinkster completed were implemented within construction.
Favorite Part of the Experience
The best part about the co-op experience was being able to witness a strong company culture and being given more responsibility on projects as my knowledge about the industry grew.
How the Experience Influenced Future Career Goals
The experience has influenced my career goals in the sense that I now know what to look for in a great company due to the fact that I was able to witness a strong company culture and work-ethic.