Intern experience at MEL, Incorporated, Inc., Baton Rouge, Louisiana: an intern report

Abstract

As a requirement of the Doctor of Engineering program, the author spent a one year internship at MEL, Inc., an engineering consulting firm located in Baton Roughe, Louisiana. During this period, he was responsible for the following assignments: 1. specifying the appropriate computer to implement an existing financial management system, 2. developing a "Project Management Quality Control Manual" which contains guidelines and checklists for the management and administration of a project from conception through completion, 3. designing the mechanical systems on a lift span bridge to be constructed over Bayou Grain Caillou in Terrebonne Parish, Louisiana, 4. serving as project manager on three projects, 5. developing computer programs for billing clients and keeping drafting time records, and 6. particiipating in contract negotiations, fee proposal preparation, and Management Committee meetings. These assignments exposed the author to a broad spectrum of both technical and managerial problems and practices. The internship experience proved to be a valuable part of his overall education.