3 Things I Learned from my Engineering Internship

Over the summer, I had an interesting internship at NorthConnex, which is a 9km twin tunnel currently being constructed in Sydney's north west. But before I continue, here's a photo to wrap your head around what a tunnel looks like in construction:

It's one of the biggest projects in Sydney at the moment, and the opportunity to work in such an incredibly sophisticated and complex tunnel project made me forever grateful.
To the point, here's 3 different things I learned as I ventured into the 'real word' for 3 months.

1. Safety was always emphasised as the #1 priority - Not true
Here's a situation.
The tunnel can be a place for disaster - in particular long term. Dust was abundant throughout all four tunnel sites and this was controlled at a minimum. Site superintendents would issue warnings for tunnelers who would even slightly complain or mention the issue, as word to directors on the issue would cause a stop in work and thus decreased productivity. You wouldn't believe that sometimes you couldn't see a few metres ahead of you. When you consider this for the safety of full time tunnelers, maybe do some research on what silica can do to your health. P.S Hawks Nest Tunnel disaster

2. People work too hard for their own good
I sat across from the Senior Project Engineer. He works 12+ hours, 6 days a week and he's favourite line is - 'mate there's never a dull moment'. Indeed, you could see it, never having time for a proper break, a casual conversation, or a laugh. I don't see where the stress ends, until you retire with loads of money at 70? I guess that's why a lot of you and myself are here, to try create a living off our-self and live life on our own terms.

3. 'Your Network is your net-worth'
Creating healthy relationships with as many people as you can, in particular those above you, is one key to success. The top managers in the business didn't have average people person skills - they knew exactly how to speak professionally, ethically and respectfully in the work environment. Average communication skills will not set you off from achieving big positions and bigger $$$, but it may delay the time that you get there.

Let me know something significant that you have learn't during your work life so far.

Thanks guys!