EnTech Participates in HI-RISE Internship Program to Introduce Tomorrow’s Young Professionals to the AEC Industry

Over the course of six weeks, HI-RISE interns partnered with top talent from the AEC industry and learned how EnTech is helping to create brighter and safer communities.

This summer, EnTech had the opportunity to participate in the Turner Construction Company HI-RISE (High School Internship Raising Industry Strength & Excellence) internship program, which provides NYC high school students with exposure to various engineering and construction disciplines and real world industry experience. Supported by local women and minority owned business enterprises, this competitive rotational program selected 12 applicants from a pool of exceptional young men and women. EnTech was honored to host six of these young professionals. 

Each intern worked closely with our Virtual Design & Construction (VDC), Civil Engineering & Design, and Geotechnical Engineering & Instrumentation departments to learn about their roles in the overall construction industry. By partnering with a lead from each department, interns received hands-on training and real-world experiences. They developed familiarity with reading and understanding construction plans and drawings and learned about the tools, technology and programs used to complete projects. 

We asked our interns to describe their experience in their own words, and here is what they shared about their time at EnTech. 

Tina Li (left), Nicole Lee (right)

“Being with EnTech has been a wonderful experience. I didn’t know what to expect from my first internship experience, but these two weeks have been quite eventful. I enjoyed learning about Revit and laser scanning, and while two weeks is too little time to have accomplished much, I’ll remember the things I learned and the people I met here at EnTech’s Manhattan office.” - Nicole Lee

“EnTech was an extremely welcoming community, and I enjoyed the well-rounded experience here. Learning about the different departments involved in road reconstruction showed me the different aspects of projects and how they relate. I saw how traffic control went hand in hand with properly carrying out environmental and geotechnical investigations, while also necessary to reconstruct the roads the civil team designed. Being at EnTech, I gained insight and a unique perspective of constructing and engineering. I got to see some of the work that occurred before, during, and after a project. Thank you to my mentors and everyone here!” - Tina Li

Jason Chen (left), Ahnaf Goni (right)

Naseem Uddin (left), Kendi Wang (right)

“Interning at EnTech has been an amazing experience. We’ve learned so much about the different types of software, construction management tools and disciplines involved in construction projects and connected with many employees in our short time. At EnTech, we didn’t feel like ‘interns’ and are happy to have been selected for this opportunity with the HI-RISE program” - Jason Chen & Ahnaf Goni

“My time in EnTech was short yet a very enriching experience. I learned about laser scanning and software application to a degree that I am not sure I will ever experience again during my time in high school. I was treated very kindly and taught about many different aspects of engineering that I would never have been able to learn about on my own. My time here will most certainly have an influence on the decisions I make for my future career, and everyone at EnTech who helped and taught me about engineering were amazing” - Naseem Uddin 

“Interning at EnTech, I was surrounded by mentors who were supportive and shared advice for both college and career. I had the opportunity to meet people from various engineering departments who helped me better understand their jobs and responsibilities. I love what I’m learning from this internship, from how to use a point cloud scanner to familiarizing myself with the roles of different engineers in a project. The experience helped me better define my interests in the industry and my options for the future as I explored the different fields. The knowledge and experience that EnTech has equipped me with will enable me to further pursue a career that I’m passionate about and prepare me for success in the future!” - Kendi Wang 

As the 2021 HI-RISE internship program ends, we would like to thank our team of directors, managers, and staff who helped make this an enjoyable learning experience. We would also like to acknowledge and thank Turner Construction Company for a wonderful opportunity to support this diverse group throughout the summer.