Cajuste specializes in computer science
BREVARD COUNTY • MELBOURNE, FLORIDA – In this feature on college athletes, we feature Miranda Schwartz of the Florida Tech softball team. This summer, the Lutz, Florida native is gaining meaningful experience while interning in her chosen field. We caught up with Schwartz to learn more about this incredible opportunity.
In which company will you do your internship this summer? What is your title and role within the company?
This summer I am interning at RS&H Inc. in Tampa, Florida. My position within the organization is as a Water Resources Intern, and my role is to help develop drainage development plans, review storm calculations and tables, and assist the Water Resources team on projects and any additional projects.
What attracted you to this internship? What steps did you have to take to get your position within the company?
I am still trying to decide what area of civil engineering I want to go into. I was drawn to this internship because it allows me to explore the water resources side of civil engineering, see if I like it, and see if I want to continue down that path. I found this internship through a connection with the team.
Pretty [Miracle] My dad knew someone who worked at the company and forwarded me my resume. From there, I had to apply for the job on the website and then I got an interview with the hiring manager via Microsoft Teams. A week later, I received the job offer.
What are some exciting tasks or projects you have been able to participate in?
One of the projects I am working on is for one of the freeways in West Palm. I was able to install a drainage structure and help set up the entire drainage system for this proposed new freeway.
What is your major at Florida Tech? Why did you choose this major for your studies and is it something you have always wanted to pursue?
I am a civil engineering major at Florida Tech. I was introduced to civil engineering in high school. I entered an engineering academy and initially attended just to graduate. However, I discovered a passion working on bridge simulators and the structures themselves.
It’s not always what I wanted to do, but once I discovered this field, I knew that this was what I wanted to specialize in.
How has being an athlete-scholar prepared you for the work you are currently doing in your internship? What skills have you gained from your experience as an athlete-scholar that are helping you in your internship?
Being an athlete-scholar helped prepare me for my internship because I work as part of a team, and being part of a team as an athlete-scholar translates directly to the workplace.
Communication skills are also one of the most important aspects of my internship, and being a college athlete has helped me develop my communication skills in both comfortable and uncomfortable situations. This helps me in comfortable situations like with my teammates and coworkers, but also in slightly more uncomfortable situations like with my coaches or, in the workplace, with my boss.
What skills did you learn during your internship that will help you on your path to Florida Tech?
I think one of the most important things is to speak up and ask questions. In my camp, if I don’t speak up and continually ask questions, I’m going to fall behind. I think that will translate and make it easier to communicate with coaches and teammates on and off the field.
Another thing is to accept uncomfortable situations. This internship was important, new and intimidating. Just accepting an uncomfortable situation helped me grow and I think that can translate to the field as well.
How does your internship prepare you for the career you would like to pursue after graduation?
It helps me get an idea of what I like and don’t like about the civil engineering field. I’m still early in my studies, as I just entered my third year. I haven’t decided where I’m going to focus yet, but this internship helps me figure it out and determine what I really want to do.
It also teaches me valuable skills and software that I can use in my future jobs after I graduate.
What advice would you give to another athlete-researcher or future athlete-researcher who wants to follow a similar path?
First, I would say try to find internships early and get a feel for what you like and don’t like in advance. Second, trust the process: there is a lot of training and there will often be difficult moments; you just have to trust the process. Finally, you have to be a guarantor for yourself: you know your time and its value.
Don’t let yourself be left out because you’re new and don’t know much; ask questions, observe others, or see if you can help them in some way. It will be better for you overall and show initiative to your coworkers and boss.
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