
This summer, PASE welcomed a group of interns to explore the world of structural engineering through hands-on experience and real project work. Among them is Arielle, a rising senior at San Jose State University, where she also serves as Assistant Project Manager and Co-Lead for the AISC Steel Bridge competition team. At PASE, Arielle has contributed to a variety of project types, from mission-critical work to multi-family housing, while continuing to grow her technical and design skills.
Below, she shares insights from her experience so far – both the challenges and what she’s learned along the way.
How has your experience on the AISC Steel Bridge competition team influenced the way you approach tasks here?
“Being part of steel bridge without taking structural courses was an advantage for me to learn and grow. I kept that mentality when working with PASE, I figured to not be discouraged if I don’t know something because learning is part of the experience.”
What projects or tasks have you been assigned so far?
“At the start of my internship I was working several anchorage projects doing hand calculations first and using Hilti Profis. I also got to go through BIM, Revit, and RISA training so far and used so many other software’s like MecaWind, ETABS, and ENERCALC. I’ve been assigned to do calculations for a transformer and a steel ceiling grid for the Mission Critical team. In addition, I worked on wood posts, stud walls, diaphragms, and beams for the Multi-Family team.”
How does a typical day in the office compare with your expectations from school?
“In the office, there are so many individuals you will meet and there is a lot more coordination in projects. I gained so much knowledge on structural engineering here at PASE. Before this internship, I was still exploring where I might fit within civil engineering. Interning at PASE helped me realize this is exactly the kind of work I want to do long-term.”
What new skills or concepts have you picked up since starting here?
“I learned the process of theory, designing, and referring to ASCE and ACI codes. These skills and practices lead to a developed workflow and are going to help me structure projects in my design classes this upcoming school year.”
What has been the biggest technical challenge you’ve tackled during the internship?
“The biggest challenge I have faced was learning how to take a step back- interpreting the requirements and standards in structure design and how it’s applied in different situations. After many projects, I am happy to say I got better on navigating through all these codes.”
Outside of engineering, what hobbies or activities keep you energized?
“I am a dancer when I am not an engineering student. Before college, I used to perform ballet but now I only go back to the dance studio on my free time. This sport has always been an outlet of expression for me and pushes myself to do my best.”
Looking back at the internship so far, what piece of advice would you give to next year’s incoming interns?
“For the upcoming interns, I would recommend to make notes on the side of your projects so you have notes to refer to. Understanding how to interpret handwritten notes on structural sheets is new and something you don’t learn in your classes. Take the time to learn that because it’s a valuable skill.”
Arielle’s time at PASE has given her the chance to apply what she’s learned in school while gaining exposure to real-world projects across different sectors. As she continues through the rest of the internship and into her final year at San Jose State, we’re excited to see how this experience helps shape her path in structural engineering.
About PASE
PASE is a premier structural engineering firm specializing in mission-critical, multi-family/residential, and mixed-use structures. Our team is dedicated to delivering innovative, cost-effective, and sustainable engineering solutions tailored to the needs of our clients.
For more information on PASE and our completed projects, click here!
Media Contact:
Azlan Ezaddin, S.E.
Email: aezaddin@pase.com
Direct: 408-957-9228