Many students in the Watson School of Engineering have worked as interns on a variety of projects for Physical Facilities in recent years. This summer, Michael Cole, a junior mechanical engineering major became part of the team that shepherded the new Bingham Hall building through construction completion working as an intern for the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York (DASNY). “So much happened in two months,” said Cole.
Cole learned about the internship through an e-mail that was sent out to students. He decided to pursue it so that he could learn about different mechanical engineering opportunities. Cole was amazed at the complexity involved in the project. “I learned a lot about how a project is managed and how mistakes can be made because there is so much going on at once.” Jim Parks, construction manager for DASNY, said the job site was very busy with 200 plus workers on site at any given day. “Michael was energetic and focused and we put him to good use.”
Toward the end of the Bingham Hall project, Cole was assigned to tackle one of the problems that came up; doors that wouldn’t close properly because of light fixtures or ceiling access panels. Cole spent two or three days walking through every room in the building, talking with trades and managing the problem. Parks felt comfortable assigning the task to Cole. “You take a young person and throw them into a situation with a lot of personalities, and he just blended in really well,” said Parks. Cole got to visit other DASNY projects as part of his internship and he also had to make a presentation about his experience to DASNY in Albany.
Parks wanted to make sure Cole got real experience. “He mentioned friends who were also involved in internships, but they were fetching coffee. We put him to work,” Parks said. “It was a great experience,” Cole said. “I got a feel for where I want to go and what I want to do.” Cole is a campus tour guide and is looking forward to showing off the new building. And his relationship with DASNY and the project continues. “He still stops by the field office to check on things,” said Parks.
Reprinted from ‘Physical Facilities’, Summer 2009 Newsletter
SUNY Binghamton University
