Sundt Intern Ana Padilla was part of the winning team at the American Society of Civil Engineers Student Competition in Fort Lauderdale last week.
Ana, a University of Arizona student, and her team were given the task of completing a cost estimate, construction schedule and bid proposal for a challenge project, and present it to the owner and panel of judges. Throughout the competition, addendums would surface when the team least expected it in order to simulate a bid-day experience.
“I was very lucky to have worked with such a great team of students across the nation that were knowledgeable about the construction industry, which we learned through our internships,” said Ana, who works with our Transportation Group on our Ina Road/I-10 project. “It was an incredible experience and one that I would recommend for all students.”
Ana’s role in the competition was to help estimate quantities and prices for the team’s project, as well as write portions of its written proposal. Her seven-member team included students from Florida Atlantic University, Lehigh University, Rowan University, Syracuse University, University of Iowa and University of Kansas.
“Throughout my internship with Sundt, I was able to learn how to do quantity take-off and write formal documents that would be turned in to the owner,” Ana said. “The experience greatly helped us in competition.”
The five days at the conference were packed with workshops, activities and events in which attendees gained professional development experience. The only time teams had to work on the challenge was after workshops and activities ended. Out of more than 100 applicants, only 35 students were chosen to attend. The conference was paid for, including airfare, hotel, registration, meals and more.
“I am so grateful to ASCE Construction institute for this great experience, as well as the University of Arizona and Sundt Construction who gave me the tools and knowledge needed to succeed,” Ana said.