At Sain, we believe in fostering the next generation of talent, and we’ve had the privilege of working with four exceptional interns this summer. These bright young minds have brought fresh perspectives and new ideas to our teams. For today’s blog, we asked each of the interns about their unique contributions to our teams and what it’s like to intern at Sain.
Hunter Higdon is studying Civil Engineering at The University of Alabama at Birmingham. This summer, Hunter worked on Sain’s Survey Team, helping with various projects. His career goals are to work in construction management or surveying. For Hunter, the most interesting part of his internship has been working in the field on different projects across the state.
“Surveying is very unpredictable. You might work on five or more different jobs in a given week. It keeps you on your toes, and I like that about it.”
Hunter’s hobbies include deer hunting and pickleball, but he also played baseball for 16 years, including two years at Southern Union State Community College.
Peyton Murrill is studying Civil Engineering at Auburn University. Peyton joined Sain for a second summer, working with our Site and Infrastructure teams. His career goals are to finish his bachelor’s and master’s degrees at Auburn, obtain his P.E. licensure after four years of experience, and eventually become a project manager. For Peyton, the most exciting part of his internship has been his involvement with a conceptual grading plan.
“It was very educational and fascinating as I learned how a company like Sain uses different AutoCAD features to draft things for their clients. I also learned a lot about how site permitting and reviews are done, and how/why that bounces back and forth between the contractor, engineering firm, and municipality.”
Peyton has enjoyed hopping on the pickleball bandwagon and loves the sport’s competitive scene.
“I have really enjoyed my return to Sain this summer as it has been a great learning experience, and the community here is second to none.”
Walt Andrews is studying Civil Engineering at the University of Alabama in Huntsville. Walt joined Sain’s Huntsville Branch Office on our Infrastructure and Site teams this summer. His career goal is to develop a good understanding of what goes into creating a design for a site or roadway and to be able to use those skills effectively.
“The most interesting part of the internship so far has been working on the preliminary layout plan for a residential and commercial space for one of the newer Huntsville projects. I enjoyed planning where each building would go and determining the best method for spacing the parking for each plot.”
Walt has learned many new things this summer, including how to use erosion control devices in order to create an erosion control plan as well as how to calculate stormwater runoff and the required drainage across the site.
“I have also gained an understanding of how to grade a site optimally.”
Walt enjoys hiking, running, and mountain biking in his free time and plans a few backpacking trips every year.
Hunter Desmond is studying Civil Engineering at Auburn University. This summer, he joined our Infrastructure and Traffic teams. His career goal is to obtain his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Auburn University. Beyond degree completion, he plans to become a licensed professional engineer and work for a consulting engineering firm. Later down the line, he wants to make a positive impact on the civil engineering field as a company executive or owner. Hunter says that the most interesting part of his internship has been site visits and field work.
“Civil engineering is a practical field that requires a diverse skill set. Understanding the on-site implications of a potential design alternative is a fascinating aspect of our projects.”
Hunter has learned a great deal about the many parts that make up a successful civil engineering firm.
“Watching everyone around you produce exemplary work every day is motivating and exciting. I have also learned the importance of maintaining a positive attitude, especially in stressful situations. I have truly enjoyed my time with Sain and look forward to implementing what I’ve learned this summer in the years to come!”
Hunter has enjoyed being active this summer through golfing, hiking, and working out. Pictured is his recent trip to the Flatirons in Boulder, Colorado.
