Third Co-op Rotation Experience
Oliana
Experience Information
Employer: Synergy Consulting Engineers
Job Title: Facility Electrical Engineering Intern
Major: Interdisciplinary Engineering
Received Credit: Yes
Paid: Yes
Abroad: No
Description of the Organization
Synergy is a small scale, multidisciplinary engineering firm with approximately 36 engineers across several specialized teams. Its structure is composed of three primary groups: the Facility Intelligence (FI) team, the Facility Professional Engineers (FPE) team, and the Facility Engineering Services (FES) team. Together, these groups support a wide range of facility-focused design and engineering solutions. I completed my co-op within the FES team, which serves as the firmýs Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP) division. Within this group, I worked specifically on the electrical design team, collaborating closely with two electrical engineers and an electrical engineering manager. Our team was responsible for delivering electrical system designs for both healthcare and commercial projects, contributing to coordinated MEP solutions across disciplines. The firmýs small size and integrated structure allowed for frequent cross-team communication, hands-on learning, and meaningful participation in real design work.
Description of the Tasks/Projects Completed
During this rotation, I had the opportunity to contribute to several projects at various stages of design, allowing me to develop both technical and project coordination skills. One of the assignments I supported involved the early design phase for a camp facility. For this project, I completed preliminary electrical load calculations and prepared accompanying written narratives outlining the project scope, design considerations, and assumptions. These documents formed the foundation for the projectýs electrical design direction. I also participated in two healthcare-related projects, where our team conducted on-site visits and walkthroughs to document existing conditions. I assisted in gathering photos, measurements, and field notes, which will later be used to inform the redesign of electrical systems within the updated space layouts. In addition, I continued work on a project from my previous rotation: the new Lansing City Hall. My responsibilities included updating portions of the electrical design to accommodate a change order, which involved re-laying out power distribution and adjusting lighting and circuiting plans to meet the revised requirements. Beyond project-specific work, I improved an internal load calculation Excel tool used by the electrical team. I refined the structure and formulas to make preliminary calculations more efficient and user-friendly. To support future users, I also created a detailed instructional write-up that included step-by-step guidance as well as relevant code references needed during the calculation process.
Skills/Knowledge Gained Through The Experience
This rotation significantly strengthened both my technical abilities and my confidence as an emerging electrical designer. I gained hands-on experience applying engineering concepts directly to real projects, particularly in the early design and load calculation phases. Working closely with experienced electrical engineers allowed me to deepen my understanding of electrical system layout, power distribution planning, and the design workflow within MEP projects. Throughout the term, I also expanded my knowledge base by completing several ASHRAE courses, which helped reinforce foundational concepts and provided broader context for systems used in commercial and healthcare facilities. These courses supported my ability to interpret design requirements and coordinate effectively with other disciplines. In addition, I conducted extensive project-specific code research, including references to NEC and other applicable standards, to ensure that my calculations and design decisions met all required codes. This process improved my familiarity with navigating code documents, interpreting requirements, and applying them correctly within design work.
Favorite Part of the Experience
My favorite part of this co-op experience was the collaborative environment that developed within our team. This semester, our group worked much more closely together, and we created an open office space where we could gather to work on projects, ask questions, or simply take a break from working alone in our individual cubicles. This setup made it easier to share ideas, problem-solve, and support one another throughout the design process. We also established monthly collaborative sessions, which quickly became a valuable part of our workflow. These meetings allowed us to reflect on current projects, improve our processes, and strengthen communication within the team. I found these sessions incredibly beneficial, as they fostered continuous improvement and helped create a more unified team dynamic. Overall, the positive culture and supportive atmosphere made this rotation especially enjoyable. Being able to do meaningful work in a welcoming, fun, and engaged environment had a major impact on my experience and reinforced my excitement for the field.
How the Experience Influenced Future Career Goals
This co-op experience has had a significant impact on the direction I see myself taking in my career. Before starting my rotations, electrical design was not a field I had strongly considered. However, being immersed in real project work, collaborating with experienced engineers, and contributing directly to meaningful designs has given me a deep appreciation for this discipline. Through hands-on design tasks, code research, and exposure to both healthcare and commercial projects, I discovered that I genuinely enjoy the problem-solving, technical depth, and creativity involved in electrical engineering within the MEP industry. This experience has not only increased my confidence but has also clarified my long-term goals. I now plan to continue pursuing a career in electrical design and am excited to keep building my skills in this area.
Internship Format
Hybrid (some in person and some remote)