Article written by: Joel Cory – Civil Engineer Intern
This summer, we welcomed Joel Cory as a Civil Engineering Intern in our Tauranga office. Trading his usual summer job for real-world engineering experience, he was eager to put his studies into practice. Looking for the right opportunity, Joel applied for the role at Vitruvius – and from day one, he knew he’d made the right choice.
At Vitruvius, we are continually inspired by the calibre of young engineers coming through. Their fresh perspectives, enthusiasm, and eagerness to learn bring so much value to our team. We love taking on interns, providing them with opportunities to grow, and in turn, gaining new insights from their approach to problem-solving.
Here’s Joel’s perspective on the internship experience:
From day one, I was welcomed into a team that is not only highly skilled but also incredibly supportive and collaborative. The friendly and open culture made it easy to ask questions, learn from experienced engineers, and feel like a valued part of the team. No two days were the same during my internship. I was involved in a diverse range of projects – from drafting reports and assisting with stormwater and transport assessments to contributing to business case documentation and shadowing engineers on-site. One of the most exciting aspects was getting out in the field, where I could see engineering in action. The variety of work kept things interesting and provided valuable hands-on experience across different areas of civil engineering.
One of the biggest takeaways from my time at Vitruvius was seeing how the concepts I had learned at university translated into real-world applications. From working with design standards to understanding the complexities of project management, everything started to make sense in a new way. I also gained a much clearer understanding of how projects progress from initial planning to construction, as well as the relationships between clients, contractors, and consultants. Seeing all the moving parts come together was eye-opening and deepened my appreciation for the industry.
Looking back on my summer at Vitruvius, I can confidently say this experience has been both rewarding and unforgettable. The variety of work, the incredible people, and the opportunities to learn and grow have made this internship one I’ll always appreciate. The team really seemed to get along both within the office and out, socialising together as friends. A memorable highlight has to be the Christmas party where we went out on a launch in the Tauranga harbour.
For any future interns considering Vitruvius – if you’re looking for an internship that challenges, supports, and inspires you, this is the place to be! For further details please contact careers@vitruvius.co.nz.