Michael M., Purdue University, writes of his co-op experience...
I am currently enrolled at Purdue University in my sixth semester working towards a degree in civil engineering. I had the privilege to work on two Traylor Bros. sites at this point in my career. I was placed at McAlpine Lock and Dam (Louisville, KY) and the Huey P. Long Bridge (New Orleans, LA).

Being part of Purdue’s co-op program and continuing to strive in school are very important to me. The experience and knowledge gained out in the field has helped me tremendously with each passing semester. Getting first hand experience in construction is extremely important. Understanding the construction process and having a solid understanding of what you’re studying makes the material taught in class both more interesting and easier to follow.

Traylor Bros. has given me a great opportunity. During my time at McAlpine, I was in charge of barge movements, cofferdam demolition, on site inventory and various odds and ends. Later into my term other opportunities presented themselves. Traditional locks on the newly installed water-tight doors were too weak; I was given the task to design a locking system for the doors. Further opportunities came along as the visitor area bollards, signs, and steel face plates were put under my control. Working closely with suppliers, subcontractors, and fabricators was a daily routine, but one would be surprised how the clearest of plans can be taken incorrectly. Copious amounts of organization, communication, and patience are all necessary to see a project through.

The Huey P. Long Bridge was such an amazing project. My three months in New Orleans was very worthwhile. Working with the foundation engineers for the majority of my time, they gave me many tasks to do. Pouring concrete, shooting grade, driving pile, driving sheets, monitoring vibrations, scheduling the weld shack, setting forms, testing cylinders, fine grading, and quality control, the list goes on and on. Easy to say everyday was an adventure. With the help of AutoCAD, I became known as the “computer guy” early on. By the end of my term, I had planned out each crane position and angle for all the concrete pile soon to be driven in the coming weeks.

I do believe by working for Traylor Bros. my school work has been positively affected.  I would encourage anyone to try a co-op position.