Through the Eyes of an Intern
In mid-May, CarolinaPower’s Columbia office welcomed back Clemson University student Salma Natsheh for a second summer internship with our company. A rising sophomore, Salma is majoring in Electrical Engineering at Clemson with a minor in Architecture.
Passionate about the technology side of electrical construction, Salma aspires to work in Virtual Design & Construction (VDC) and design electrical components when she graduates.
We recently caught up with Salma to gain insight into her internship experience.
This is your second summer with CarolinaPower. What made you want to return, and how has this summer been different from your first?
I wanted to return to expand on what I experienced in 2025. Last summer, I was predominantly based in the field. This summer, I’m spending more time in the office, working closely with the project team assigned to the School of Medicine project located on USC’s new Health Sciences Campus for Gilbane. Right now, I am learning how the preconstruction process works, as well as how visual design in construction works. I am getting to observe project managers and assist with estimating and coordination. I still go to the jobsite, though, where I have the chance to work alongside electricians and foreman, helping with terminating panels, and organizing tools and material.
Please elaborate on this summer’s takeaways.
I am truly seeing how drawing prints and executing them are two very distinct tasks that involve two very different worlds and a lot of communication. I am just glad to be experiencing it all since it makes me a more well-rounded student. I’m really immersed in coordination meetings that include project managers and superintendents alike. I’m especially impressed with prefab, estimating, budgeting, scheduling, etc. – it’s is all so extensive.
You’ve had the opportunity to work with a different project team and on a new jobsite this year. What have you learned from experiencing a new environment and group of people?
Being able to work with a different project team and for a different client has been eye-opening. Of course, it makes sense that each general contractor has their own way of doing things, but seeing it firsthand is a whole new ball game for me. I observe innovative coordination techniques, weekly pull plan meetings, and interactive scheduling among all trades. Seeing different personalities from various backgrounds of construction, all coming together to manage a project – that's absolutely HUGE!
What has been the most interesting or rewarding project, task, or experience you've worked on so far this summer?
All in all, I have learned a lot on the project management side. I have been completing tasks regarding RFIs, takeoffs, and submittals. Using software like BIM360 and Procore are enlightening regarding how general contractors, engineers, project managers, and architects communicate with each other. Being accustomed to these processes is integral to being a versatile employee who has “dipped their toes” in multiple aspects of a single project.
What is something you've learned about the electrical construction industry that surprised you or changed your perspective?
As a career, I envision being an Electrical Engineer who oversees and approves the 3D modeling of electrical frameworks within a building. Spending more time in this industry has revealed to me that there is a big disconnect when it comes to communication between the Engineer and electricians. This has changed my perspective of the Electrical Engineer’s job. I’ve learned that not only does a drawing needs to be neat and organized, but a successful design must reflect an understanding of field conditions and installation challenges more than anything else; thus, leading to an overall project of which the electricians are proud to be a part.
As you continue your internship and look toward your future career, what skills or experiences are you hoping to gain before the summer ends?
By the end of this summer, my goal is to become proficient in the Architectural Revit software, as it is predominantly used for 3D modeling a building and its MEP within. This will directly contribute to and invest in my career as an aspiring Electrical Engineer. I have also enrolled in the OSHA 10 Training Course, through which I will be able to gain more knowledge regarding jobsite safety. Finally, I am also learning how to take notes more efficiently as I attend meetings alongside the Superintendents and Project Managers – an essential skill for fast-paced meetings.