Sean Kunz, Civil Engineering, Class of 2027

Where are you interning, and what is your role?

I am interning at Holtec International in the Civil Design team for the Nuclear Power Division.

What projects or assignments are you working on?

I am working on a variety of the projects that they currently have. My primary focus is on the ISFSI pads (Independent Spent Fuel Storage Installations). These are where spent nuclear fuel rods go after they are used so they don't emit radioactivity to the environment. This includes making drawings for ISFSIs, performing calculations, and designing different components to be added depending on the site.

What does a typical day look like?

A typical day involves a lot of reading, drafting, and meetings discussing progress.

What Rowan class or experience has helped you most?

Engineering graphics has the most useful skills for drawing plans, while Sophomore clinic 1 has a lot of the technical reading and writing skills that helps with the reports.

What new technical or professional skill have you developed?

I have developed good professional presence, etiquette, and understanding of working on projects and communicating progress with a team.

What has surprised you about working in the civil engineering field?

I was surprised at how simple things can be when you have proper training and practice. School can feel much harder and stressful, but when it comes to actual work it's much clearer and easier to complete exactly what you need to do without worrying about homework, exams, grades, etc.

How has a faculty member or mentor supported you?

I received a lot of help and advice for applying for internships, understanding the professional world, and taking advantage of the opportunities presented to me.

What advice would you give another student pursuing an internship?

Apply early and apply to as many places as possible. Even if you aren't 100% certain if it's somewhere you want to work at for the rest of your life, it's good to get experience at a variety of places so you can find what you really enjoy doing.