Something that I loved about working at CSWR was the opportunity to gain personal connections. For example, the employees who have been working there for awhile took the time to make conversations with me and ask me to go to lunch with them. Additionally, I loved the hands-on internship. I was able to travel to New Orleans, LA and visit sites with the company. There were also field trips nearby the office in St. Louis we were able to tour.
What I wish was different
I wish I was given more tasks to do. There were some days that felt a little slower than others and I was struggling to have some work to keep me busy. However, I learned that it ebbed and flowed. There were some days I had a ton and some days I had none, it all depended on how the company was doing that week!
Advice
A piece of advice I would share would be to expect to feel unconformable and uncertain at times. When I was given my task, I was worried I wouldn't be able to do what they wanted me to do. I only had a few hours of training and then I was on my own. However, if you ask questions and communicate, you should be good! Since people are busy, I would recommend creating a list of questions and then scheduling a Team's meeting to review them instead of asking a whole bunch of questions at different times. My supervisor told me he loved that part of my work ethic while working for him,.
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Mechanical Engineering Intern
May 2021 • St. Louis, MO
What I liked
I loved working at a small company especially for my first internship. I learned so much and was able to explore all aspects of engineering in the workplace.
What I wish was different
Advice
Apply yourself. Don't be afraid to be vulnerable and to try everything. The point is to learn, and its okay to make mistakes.
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Business Development Intern
May - July 2019 • St. Ann, MO
What I liked
Very casual environment. Small company with very personable supervisors willing to mentor you. Projects presented interesting work that helps people and allowed you to think outside the box.
What I wish was different
Wish there had been more structure and direction given on projects.
Advice
Come to the job willing to make mistakes and learn from them.
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Sustainability Intern
May - August 2019 • St. Ann, MO
What I liked
As a college student with no prior training in the utility business, there was a lot to learn when I started, however, the employees, especially my mentors, were enthusiastic in helping me learn. They always made sure I knew what was happening in meetings and assignments. The culture of the company is very welcoming, and I felt like a part of the team within my first week of work.
Regarding my daily work, CSWR was great in that I was able to set my own bar of how much work I did and was able to take initiative in my interests and start research. I was involved with all levels of the company from my fellow interns to board members, got to go on a business trip to look at wastewater systems, and participated in business meetings. I knew that what I did each day had a purpose in providing communities with great wastewater and water service. I highly respect their work ethic and daily commitment to their customers and business. This internship has shaped my interest in serving communities across the US and has only strengthened my intention to major in political science and environmental studies.
What I wish was different
Advice
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Environmental Intern
May - August 2019 • St. Ann, MO
What I liked
CSWR has a great work atmosphere that is incredibly supportive. As a college student with no prior training in the utility business, there was a lot to learn when I started, however, the employees, especially my mentors, were enthusiastic in helping me learn. They always made sure I knew what was happening in meetings and assignments. The culture of the company is very welcoming, and I felt like a part of the team within my first week of work.
Regarding my daily work, CSWR was great in that I was able to set my own bar of how much work I did and was able to take initiative in my interests and start research. I was involved with all levels of the company from my fellow interns to board members, got to go on a business trip to look at wastewater systems, and participated in business meetings. I knew that what I did each day had a purpose in providing communities with great wastewater and water service. I highly respect their work ethic and daily commitment to their customers and business. This internship has shaped my interest in serving communities across the US and has only strengthened my intention to major in political science and environmental studies.
