Hemant Kumar Yadav

Describe the steps you took to obtain your internship/research opportunity/fellowship.

To secure my internship at the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) Tampa Office, I took a proactive and systematic approach:
Research: I started by researching transportation-related internship opportunities, focusing on state agencies like FDOT.
Networking: I attended career fairs at Florida State University and connected with FDOT representatives to learn more about their internship program.
Application Preparation: I updated my resume, highlighting relevant coursework and projects. I also crafted a tailored cover letter expressing my interest in transportation engineering.
Application Submission: I submitted my application through FDOT's official internship portal, ensuring all required documents were included.
Follow-up: After submitting, I sent a polite email to the FDOT HR department to confirm receipt of my application and express my continued interest.
Interview Preparation: Upon being invited for an interview, I researched FDOT's current projects and prepared answers to common interview questions.
Interview: I attended the interview, demonstrating my knowledge, enthusiasm, and readiness to contribute to FDOT's mission.
Post-Interview: I sent a thank-you email to my interviewers, reiterating my interest in the position.

How far in advance did you prepare and begin applying for your experiential learning opportunity?

I began preparing and applying for my internship about 2 months in advance around Mid March 2024. Initially, I conducted a self-assessment to clarify my career interests and goals. I then researched potential opportunities in Transportation field using university career services, online job boards, and professional networks. Around 1 months prior, I updated my resume, drafted personalized cover letters. As the application deadlines approached, I started submitting applications and preparing for interviews by researching organizations and practicing common interview questions.

If you used any Career Center services, resources, or events to obtain your internship/research opportunity/fellowship, what were they? How did they support your application process?

One key event was the university career fair, where I had the opportunity to meet many company representatives. They were incredibly helpful, offering insights into their organizations and providing guidance on the application process. They explained how to apply for internships through their company portals and emphasized the importance of having an updated resume.

Describe some of your responsibilities or duties during your experiential learning opportunity.

For my internship, I'm excited to be working with the Florida Department of Transportation, specifically at the District 7 Headquarters in Tampa. I'm part of the Transportation System Management & Operations (TSMO) office. My main tasks at FDOT involve:
1. Analyzing crash data at intersections and providing recommendations for countermeasures.
2. Collecting existing intersection data from Tampa and St. Petersburg areas.
3. Interpreting geometry and providing recommendations based on crash reports, Annual Average Daily Traffic (AADT), and Volume Capacity Ratio.
4. Assisting senior engineers with various tasks.
I'm thrilled to be learning these tasks in a practical, hands-on way. The team here is incredibly kind and helpful, which makes the learning experience even better.

What was a typical day like "on the job?"

The day began with receiving instructions and tasks from my supervisor. These assignments varied but often involved data analysis, research, or project-related work. Throughout the morning, I attended various meetings, each with different agendas, providing insights into different aspects of transportation planning and engineering. Lunch break was from 12 pm to 1 pm, offering a chance to recharge. After lunch, I resumed my assigned tasks, often collaborating with different staff members. I didn't hesitate to seek clarification when needed, which helped me learn and improve continuously. Some days included site visits to inspect various intersections, particularly challenging in the hot Florida sun but invaluable for hands-on experience. These visits allowed me to see real-world applications of the concepts I was learning. The day typically concluded at 5 pm, wrapping up tasks and saying goodbye to my supervisor. This routine provided a comprehensive experience, blending office work, meetings, and field visits, giving me a well-rounded understanding of FDOT's operations and the transportation field in general.

What are some major takeaways from your experience? How will these help prepare you for the next step after graduation?

My internship at FDOT provided several major takeaways that will be invaluable for my future career. Firstly, I gained practical experience in applying theoretical knowledge to real-world transportation projects, bridging the gap between classroom learning and professional practice. This hands-on experience has significantly enhanced my problem-solving skills and technical proficiency in the field. Secondly, I developed crucial professional skills such as time management, communication, and teamwork. Balancing multiple tasks, attending meetings, and collaborating with various departments taught me how to work efficiently in a professional environment. These skills are transferable to any future job and will help me adapt quickly to new work settings. Lastly, this internship gave me insight into the operations of a state transportation agency, broadening my understanding of public service and government roles in infrastructure development. It also helped me build a professional network and gain confidence in my abilities, which will be beneficial as I take my next steps after graduation.

Did this experience help clarify your career path? If yes, how so?

This internship at FDOT has significantly clarified my career path. It provided me with hands-on experience in transportation engineering, allowing me to see how classroom knowledge applies to real-world projects. Working alongside experienced professionals exposed me to various roles within the field, helping me identify areas that align with my interests and strengths. The experience confirmed my passion for improving public infrastructure and safety through innovative transportation solutions. It also introduced me to current trends and challenges in the industry, such as sustainable design and smart city technologies. This insight has focused my career aspirations and highlighted areas where I'd like to specialize. Overall, this internship has solidified my decision to pursue a career in transportation engineering, giving me a clearer vision of my professional future and the skills I need to develop to succeed in this dynamic field.