This summer, a group of rising seniors from Colonie Central High School had the opportunity to step outside the classroom and gain hands-on experience in the world of transportation, engineering and construction through a summer internship with the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT).

The internship was offered through the Career Exploration Internship Program (CEIP), giving students the chance to explore potential careers while working alongside professionals in the field. Over the course of the program, students completed 56 hours of internship experience and were exposed to a variety of careers and projects within NYSDOT.

Throughout the internship, students learned about transportation engineering, project planning, construction, surveying, environmental considerations and the many careers involved in bringing a major infrastructure project from an idea to reality. They also had opportunities to ask questions, meet professionals and see firsthand how classroom concepts connect to the work happening in the field.

One of the highlights was a tour of an active construction site, where students put on hardhats and safety vests and saw the work up close. The experience gave students a firsthand look at the challenges that can arise during a major construction project and how engineers and construction teams work together to solve unexpected problems.

For students, the experience offered a valuable perspective on what it takes to turn a design into a finished project and the importance of being able to adapt along the way. .

“You come to learn that designing a project and planning it is very different from executing it,” said Aryan Patel.“It was very interesting how everyone must learn to adjust and work around these major problems which can come up at any time with huge projects like this.”

Patel also noted the value of being able to ask questions and connect with project engineers, highlighting the networking opportunities that came with the experience.

The internship provided students with more than a look at potential careers. It gave them an opportunity to develop professional skills, make connections and better understand the education and training that can lead to careers in engineering, construction and transportation.

“Experiences like this are incredibly valuable for our students because they allow them to explore careers before they leave high school and understand what those careers actually look like day to day,” said College and Career Planning Center Coordinator Kristin Mesick. “We are grateful to NYSDOT for opening its doors to our students and giving them the opportunity to learn from professionals, ask questions and experience the work firsthand.”

Through partnerships such as CEIP and NYSDOT, CCHS students are able to explore their interests, build confidence and make more informed decisions about their future beyond high school.