There is no question of the many hardships brought on by the pandemic and the challenges society has been forced to navigate through, one of those being a completely virtual learning experience.
Now, with the option to return to the office, many people have found the benefits and opportunities that come with experiential learning remotely.
Emily Spranger took on a new position as a remote engineering intern at RailPros, a national provider of rail, transit engineering and construction services to Class 1 and commuter rail carriers across the U.S.
Spranger, from Clio, Michigan, graduated in May 2022 with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering with a focus in structures.
Throughout her remote internship, Spranger managed a full academic course load while working 15 to 25 hours per week. Her daily responsibilities included reviewing several infrastructure submittals in compliance with client standards, analyzing daily track and ground monitoring data, and assessing shoring system designs.
Spranger was the company’s first remote engineering intern.
“It was easier to tackle everyday life being a college student and being able to perform my duties at the same time,” she said.
Despite the pandemic and its obstacles, Spranger found a new perspective on work/life balance because the social norms of remote learning were stripped away so quickly.
RailPros has clients nationwide. Emily currently works on a client account that spans 23 states.
“I worked my own hours based around my classes, doctor appointments, etc., as long as I get my work done, so I have a lot of independence,” she explained. “Prior to COVID, many members of the team worked remotely and continue to as well. Our work covers 23 states. It’s never in the same city or state, which I love."
Spranger worked with the College of Engineering’s Center for Spartan Engineering in helping her integrate her classroom knowledge into a work opportunity that led to a full-time job. She hopes to continue her education in structural engineering and take the FE exam (Fundamentals of Engineering) to eventually become a PE (Professional Engineer).
"I will continue working at RailPros remotely and traveling to the office and/or job site when needed.”
The success of students like Spranger have started to raise the question of whether remote internships will continue to shift to a new norm.
Spranger hopes so, she added.
Written by Kee-Ri Burkitt, student writer in the MSU College of Engineering.