Jace Creech

Major:  Civil Engineering: Structural Track
Year: Fourth-Year

• Who are you co-oping with?

Micheal Baker International (MBI) in Cleveland, Ohio.

• What is your role? What are your day-to-day tasks?

My role was assigned as an intern for the bridge department in the Cleveland office (Intern - Bridge). My day-to-day tasks can vary between helping other associates & engineers with Ohio projects involving logistics, bridge design work, CAD drafting, or assisting with writing technical reports. 

• What was your favorite part?

My favorite part has been the opportunities I have been given & the people I have worked with at MBI. I have been able to join in on bridge inspections for the Ohio Turnpike which has been exciting since the technical skills & knowledge I have learned from the office to these inspections while also generally having the opportunity to contribute to public safety. Additionally, being surrounded by dedicated colleagues at MBI with a sign of purpose has been unforgettable as well & have thoroughly enjoyed working with them.

• What is something you've learned that you didn't know before starting your co-op?

Since I have started this Co-Op, I have learned many things regarding bridge engineering & different softwares. I have learned multiple CAD softwares for creating design sheets for projects & load rating programs as well to determine optimal bridge designs & load ratings for existing structures. I have also learned extensively more about the general terminology, nomenclature, logistics, basics to design, and more regarding bridge engineering projects.

• How did you find your co-op?

I found my Co-Op through the CWRU ASCE Civil Engineering Department Career Fair. 

If another student asked you about co-op, what would you tell them?

If another student asked about doing a Co-Op, I would highly recommend it to them! I believe doing a Co-Op is a great way to learn more about the industry world of your major before you graduate. I think it would truly show more of what your desired job truly is compared to a typical summer internship where you can only see so many opportunities. Additionally, depending on the career path you would like to take, the hours you spend at Co-Op can very often benefit you after graduation as well going towards required hours for a license or becoming a professional engineer!