During my internship from June to August at the Southeast University National-Local Joint Engineering Research Center for Smart Construction and Operation in Nanjing, China, I served as an intern within the Market and Engineering Application Division, specifically focusing on the Smart Solution System as a Product Director. My day-to-day tasks included contributing to the drafting of specialized urban lifeline plans and risk assessment reports for counties and cities such as Xinyi and Yizheng. Additionally, I led the advancement of the Smart Solution System, which involved facilitating the development of online intelligent solution management. This project aimed to enhance the efficiency and accuracy of bid preparation and evaluation processes by incorporating advanced data analytics and AI-driven tools. The internship setting was dynamic and collaborative, with a strong emphasis on cross-functional teamwork. I worked closely with professionals from various departments, including engineering, data analytics, and project management, to ensure the successful implementation of the Smart Solution System.
I drew extensively on the research techniques and resources I learned in HSPV 6000 (Documentation, Research, Recording), particularly the methodologies for compiling and analyzing data. My experience in HSPV 6250 (Preservation Economics) was also highly relevant, particularly in understanding the economic feasibility of the urban lifeline projects and the necessity of public or non-profit intervention. This course equipped me to make informed decisions about project viability and to critically assess the economic impact of the Smart Solution System on the broader preservation goals. Throughout the internship, I significantly improved my project management skills, particularly in coordinating complex, multi-faceted projects such as the Smart Solution System. I also became proficient in risk assessment techniques, which involved evaluating potential threats to urban infrastructure and developing mitigation strategies. Additionally, I enhanced my ability to communicate technical concepts effectively, both within my team and when presenting to stakeholders.
This internship provided numerous opportunities for professional networking. I had the chance to work closely with Prof. Jin Zhu, who is a mentor at the School of Civil Engineering at Southeast University. Prof. Zhu specializes in smart cities and urban resilience research and has extensive experience in the U.S. academic community. This shared background facilitated many engaging discussions between us, enriching my understanding of the field and broadening my professional network.
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