Embedded Files
Jonathan Thompson
Date of Internship:
September 5th - December 17th
MENTOR
James Jones
Overview of internship experience
Overview of internship experience
At my internship at RS&H, I was able to develop as a person and an engineer in many ways, working on the Atlanta bridge team at RS&H. I have the opportunity to work on GDOT, FDOT, and other state departments of transportation design sheets, making edits and adding elements via Open Bridge Modeler (a CAD application used at RS&H). The ability to work on such projects and to interact with such amazing people at RS&H has left a life-changing impact on me.
RS&H is a company that works with designs requested by the state’s Department of Transportation. The company employs engineers who communicate directly with these departments to understand their needs and convert those ideas into clear engineering designs. These designs are then issued as detailed plan sheets that guide transportation projects. In the Atlanta area, RS&H exists to make a lasting impact on the city by improving infrastructure and ensuring transportation systems are safer and more up-to-date.
The type of work done at RS&H mainly involves transportation engineering and design. Engineers analyze existing roadways, plan improvements, and develop designs that meet state standards and safety requirements. Much of the work focuses on problem solving, collaboration, and producing accurate drawings that can be used for construction. The goal is to turn transportation needs into practical, buildable solutions.
The mission of the department or team is to provide reliable and efficient engineering designs that meet the expectations of the Department of Transportation and benefit the public. The team works to create designs that improve safety, support long-term use, and align with project goals. Clear communication, attention to detail, and teamwork are important parts of meeting these objectives.
To complete their work, RS&H commonly uses engineering tools and software such as AutoCAD and MicroStation to create design sheets and technical drawings. Roadway design programs are also used to model transportation layouts and infrastructure features. In addition, standard office equipment and digital tools are used to review plans, manage documents, and communicate with project teams and transportation departments.
Internship Context and Purpose
Internship Context and Purpose
Project Deep Dive into Bridge 227
Project Deep Dive into Bridge 227
The project, Bridge 227, was intended to support transportation by providing a safer option for drivers. The goal was to improve the reliability and safety of the roadway by ensuring the bridge design met all required standards. By upgrading this structure, the project aimed to reduce potential risks and support smoother, more secure travel for the public.
This project mattered to the company and team because it aligned directly with RS&H’s responsibility to improve transportation infrastructure for the community. Delivering a safe and well-designed bridge reflected the company’s commitment to public safety and quality engineering. Successful completion of the project also strengthened RS&H’s relationship with the Department of Transportation by showing careful attention to detail and dependable work.
My specific role in the project involved reviewing and revising design sheets for the second bridge. I went through the bridge design plans and addressed the red-line comments made by my coworkers. This required checking for accuracy, making corrections, and ensuring the updated sheets met design standards before moving forward in the review process.
I used OpenBridge Modeler to make design updates and ProjectWise to access and manage files within the team’s shared system. Communicating with engineers helped clarify expectations and resolve revision questions. One challenge was learning civil and structural engineering terminology and adjusting to RS&H’s computer systems, which I overcame by asking questions, reviewing documentation, and gaining experience with the software.
I booted my computer
Opened Open Bridge Modeler
Opened my red line marked-up sheet,
Made edits to the Design Sheet, fixing errors
Save the edits made.
Reflection on 227
Reflection on 227
The Bridge 227 project is still ongoing, which is expected because bridge design projects often take months or even years to complete. My work contributed to the project by assisting with the revision of design sheets, addressing red-line comments, and ensuring the plans were accurate. This support allowed certified civil engineers to focus on higher-level tasks while keeping the project moving forward efficiently. From this experience, I learned that engineering workplaces rely heavily on checks and balances, with multiple engineers reviewing designs to ensure safety, reliability, and precision. It highlighted the importance of collaboration, attention to detail, and accountability in professional engineering work.
CAD (OnShape, SolidWorks, Fusion 360, etc.)
During my internship, I used CAD software indirectly through OpenBridge Modeler, which functions similarly to programs like OnShape, SolidWorks, or Fusion 360 by allowing precise design and modeling of bridge structures. I used it to review and edit bridge design sheets, make corrections based on red-line comments, and ensure all elements of the design were accurate before submission. This experience helped me understand how CAD tools are essential for creating, visualizing, and refining engineering designs in a professional setting.
Communication or teamwork
A real example of when I used communication and teamwork was during my internship on the Bridge 227 project. While reviewing the red-line design sheets for the second bridge, I regularly communicated with certified civil engineers to clarify questions about specific revisions and ensure my edits met project standards. This collaboration allowed me to accurately update the design sheets while learning from experienced engineers. Evidence of this can be seen in the marked-up design sheets I worked on, where my revisions were incorporated after discussion with the team.
Engineering Skills Development
CAD (OnShape, SolidWorks, Fusion 360, etc.)
Coding (Python, Arduino, JavaScript, etc.)
Data analysis
Engineering design process
Troubleshooting and diagnostics
Electrical tools
Machine shop tools or fabrication
Communication or teamwork
Project management
Reflection
Reflection
What was the most important thing you learned from your internship?
The most important thing I learned from my internship is that real-world engineering depends heavily on accuracy, accountability, and teamwork. Even small changes to a design can have serious consequences, so every detail must be checked carefully. I learned that engineering is not just about technical knowledge, but also about responsibility and trust. Seeing how many people review a single design helped me understand the level of care required in professional engineering. This experience showed me how classroom concepts connect to real infrastructure that people rely on every day. It reinforced the importance of taking engineering work seriously because it directly impacts public safety.
What engineering practices or mindsets did you see professionals using?
I observed professionals consistently using a mindset focused on precision, verification, and collaboration. Engineers rarely worked alone and instead relied on peer reviews and red-line corrections to ensure designs were accurate. They approached problems methodically, breaking tasks into smaller steps to avoid errors. Communication was also a major practice, as engineers frequently discussed questions or concerns before making decisions. Another important mindset was openness to feedback, since revisions and corrections were treated as a normal and necessary part of the process. This showed me that strong engineering practice values improvement over perfection.
What surprised you about the engineering workplace?
One of the most surprising aspects of the engineering workplace was how structured and layered the review process was. I did not expect designs to go through so many levels of checking before being finalized. It was also surprising to see how much time is spent reviewing and revising rather than creating entirely new designs. The level of documentation required for each change stood out as well. Additionally, the workplace emphasized consistency and standards more than speed. This showed me how seriously safety and reliability are treated in professional engineering.
How did this internship influence your future goals?
This internship influenced my future goals by reinforcing my interest in engineering, somewhat in infrastructure and transportation. Working on real bridge designs helped me see the long-term impact engineers can have on communities. It motivated me to continue developing my technical skills and pursue further education in engineering. The experience also made me more aware of the responsibility that comes with being an engineer. Overall, the internship helped clarify the type of engineering impact I would like to have in the future.
What advice would you give a future student in this internship?
I would advise a future student in this internship to ask questions whenever something is unclear. Engineering terminology and software can be overwhelming at first, but learning comes effortlessly through communication. It is also important to pay close attention to details, even on small tasks, because accuracy matters. Being open to feedback and corrections will help you improve and gain trust from the team. Finally, staying organized and patient is key, since engineering projects often take a long time to complete.
I gave this presentation to the underclassmen at Drew Charter School to inform and inspire them to dream bigger and reach for higher goals. The intended audience was the younger generation, especially students who may not yet see all the opportunities available to them. I wanted to challenge the common tendency to limit ourselves as we grow older and instead encourage them to believe in their potential. This presentation connected directly to my internship experience because I was able to share a real example of working in an engineering firm on government-requested bridge designs. As a young Black man in this professional engineering environment, I hoped my experience would show students that these goals are achievable and that they can pursue careers they may not have previously imagined.
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