Name: Josh Isaacks
School: Academic Magnet High School
Grade: 12th
1. What are your plans for next year?
Next year I plan on attending a four year university (most likely Clemson) and pursuing a four-year degree in some form of engineering.
2. Describe your internship experience in 10 words or less.
An invaluable experience detailing aspects of engineering with great people.
3. What was your biggest take away from your internship experience?
I was able to learn about a number of different fields, from the environmental engineers in regulatory to the civil engineers in navigation. This takeaway will allow me to help narrow down what type of engineering I will study in the future and create a clearer picture of what I would like to do for an occupation some day.
4. What was the most interesting thing you did during your internship?
The most interesting thing I did during my internship experience was either surveying the Charleston Harbor with the survey crew or touring the St. Stephen Powerhouse.
5. What is something you learned during your internship that you didn't previously know?
One thing I learned from this internship is the entire process of dredging the Charleston Harbor. I experienced surveying first-hand, which is then analyzed by the navigation branch, and took part in a conference call in which contractors bid on this job.
6. Has your time with the Charleston District changed how you are thinking about your future career?
My time with the Charleston District has changed what I thought about different professions as I was able to gain first-hand experience and really see what a handful of different occupations did day in and day out.
7. Would you recommend an internship with the Charleston District? If so, why?
I would highly recommend an internship with the Charleston District as it is an invaluable experience that really shows you how different data is collected and processed. It gives you the opportunity to experience a vast number of jobs that are incorporated in the Army Corps of Engineers and can give you further insight into what you want to be when you grow up. Additionally, it is a great opportunity to meet some extraordinary people and gain contacts that can help you find and discover future opportunities.
Name: CDT Lucas J. Garrett
School: University of Kentucky
Grade: Senior
1. What are your plans for next year?
Next year I plan to finish out my ROTC track and complete the rest of my engineering degree.
2. Describe your internship experience in 10 words or less.
An overall extraordinary experience that can appeal to anyone interested.
3. What was your biggest takeaway from your internship experience?
My largest takeaway was all the duties and responsibilities that the Corps is responsible for. All of the duties the Corps have that aren’t only in the United States but in other countries and other bases as well.
4. What was the most interesting thing you did during your internship?
Riding on the Evans was a great experience. Being on the harbor was awesome and seeing Charleston from the harbor is a unique view. The survey vessel is the main source of information for the navigation team and for the dredging projects on the harbor. Without this information the harbor would not be able to function.
5. What is something you learned during your internship that you didn't previously know?
I am surprised in how diverse USACE is and the magnitude of responsibilities it has. The Corps is involved in almost all land altering or construction projects in South Carolina because of the nature of the state.
6. Has your time with the Charleston District changed how you are thinking about your future career?
It has given me the experience that I wanted to make decisions about my career path. Knowing what the Corps does and how they support not only the military but the civilian side of life is interesting. The in-depth knowledge required to accurately get permits is impressive and their relationship with DOT is extensive. Knowing all the roles and responsibilities of the employees is great knowledge and it allows me to make an educated decision about my future employment.
7. Would you recommend an internship with the Charleston District? If so, why?
Yes I would. This is a great opportunity to see the process of construction and regulation of anything upon the waterways and wetland in South Carolina. The process of allowing permits and construction takes time and the knowledge needed is important. The environmental impacts that one road or a dock can have on its surroundings and the downstream effects are large and could be catastrophic if not properly managed.