Reflections on My Internship Experience by Gongda Yu

Choosing to undertake an internship during summer 2024 as a Ph.D. student was a decision that filled these summer three months with unexpected joy and growth. Stepping into a role that I had never experienced before, surrounded by a team of like-minded, passionate individuals, I found myself on a journey of self-discovery. This experience has not only helped me uncover what I truly love to do but also revealed my strengths in ways I hadn't anticipated. My manager and Ph.D. advisor provided invaluable guidance throughout this journey, shaping my path and encouraging me to explore my potential.

This internship opened my eyes to the gap between the academic knowledge gained in the classroom and the practical challenges faced in the real world. Working on actual projects, I had the chance to interact directly with clients — an experience that taught me the art of communication. I learned how to express our team’s needs and capabilities with clarity and tact and to respond to clients' questions thoughtfully. This process pushed me to grow, not just as an engineer, but as a communicator and a professional who understands the importance of empathy and patience in every interaction.

One of the most profound experiences was visiting project sites. Standing there, witnessing DOT projects and construction in action, I could feel the tangible impact of our work. The concepts I once studied in textbooks were now a reality before my eyes. It was a deeply meaningful experience to see theory transformed into practice, and it reminded me why I chose this field in the first place.

As my internship drew to a close, writing my farewell emails to everyone I had worked with was unexpectedly emotional. Each goodbye felt like a moment of reflection at a crossroads in life—a realization that our paths might not cross again soon, if ever. It was a poignant moment, realizing that sometimes you have to silently wish people well and hope they have a good life. This feeling of closure, mixed with uncertainty about the future, was both humbling and profound.

Throughout the internship, I took the opportunity to schedule numerous coffee chats with colleagues from various departments. I encourage everyone to do so, either during the internship or during your first month at any job. These conversations were incredibly enriching. Each person shared their stories, insights, and career advice, which became precious nuggets of wisdom for me. I came to understand that what I thought I was meant to do, based on my academic background, wasn't necessarily what would make me happiest or most fulfilled. The true lesson I learned is that our work should resonate with our passions, something we’re eager to pour our time and energy into — not just a task we endure until the end of the day.

For me, life has always been about embracing new experiences and taking on different challenges. This belief has led me to try various jobs and live in different countries, and I feel this is where the true essence of life lies. This internship has reaffirmed that belief, showing me that life is about exploring, learning, and discovering what truly makes us come alive.

In these three months, I have experienced so much more than I anticipated. I have grown professionally and personally, gaining a deeper understanding of who I am and what I want to pursue. This experience has taught me that the right path is not always the one that seems most obvious or logical, but the one that feels most true to who we are. As I move forward, I carry these lessons with me, grateful for every moment of this incredible journey.

Best

Gongda