Dorina Voynov

What motivated you to apply for Co-op/Internship

I was motivated to apply for co-op because I wanted to keep busy during the summer and learn something new. I also wanted a change of setting, and to get a better understanding of the demands in a full-time job.

Can you describe your position in a few sentences?

I was a Mechanical Design Intern so I worked directly with Mechanical Designers of all experience levels to produce detailed engineering drawings for building infrastructure. I designed and reviewed layouts for fire protection (i.e. sprinkler systems), plumbing, and HVAC. I was able to familiarize myself with many project sectors such as Tenant Fit-Ups, Healthcare, Education, and Transit & Transportation; each with a unique set of requirements.

Did you receive training to perform your engineering duties? Please Explain.

Yes, I received training on how to use the programs to achieve the proper results whether it be calculations, drawings, or auto-fill spreadsheets.

What was your work atmosphere like? (flexibility, formality, team centric, supportive)

The work atmosphere was very team-centric, supportive, and busy. With consulting work there is constant communication. Whether it be between Mechanical or Electrical disciplines or with Architects, and client bases. Communication was essential to coordinate our designs. There was also a lot of support. They would always encourage me to ask questions, and answer them in great detail. The busy environment came from incoming, in progress, and pending projects, but the workload was distributed fairly in order to ensure the deadlines were met.

What new skills were you able to learn/develop during your Co-op/Internship?

A technical skill I learned was how to work efficiently with AutoCAD and Revit softwares. This was something I take great value in because it was something I have always wanted to learn. Drafting is a great skill that has helped me visualize a layout and validate its design.

An interpersonal skill I developed was how to communicate and document my questions. It may seem basic, but it was something that I did not put much value into until now. By being able to pinpoint what I did not understand I was able to be more honest with myself, and produce better work. I would not be idle for too long because I would take note of my question and move on to the next task until I had to come back to it. This way I would not be bothering my supervisors too much, but I would also get the answers I needed later on.

How did your experience compare with your expectations?

My experience exceeded my expectations. I learned a lot more about collaborating and mechanical design than I would have thought. I got the chance to work with a lot of different projects, and people all within QCG. They each taught me something new and for that I am extremely grateful.

What was your proudest moment? 

My proudest moment was getting the chance to design an HVAC layout, and seeing it being used for the final drawing, with some edits of course.

What advice would you offer to current students thinking about pursuing Co-op/Internship?

Take a chance, make a move, do not be afraid to try a new environment. Any co-op/internship experience is a learning opportunity! Ask your peers about their work experience too. It is a great way to gauge whether a placement will be right for you.