Our intern programme offers undergraduates who are seeking a career in the construction industry, the opportunity to experience first hand, life as a project manager. We offer students paid placements across our offices throughout the year.
We chatted to Alexander, our Auckland intern, on his experience and thoughts of his time at Frequency so far.
Tell us 3 interesting facts about yourself.
- I’m left handed!
- I like the cold…
- I can speak two languages, English and Arabic!
What are you currently studying?
Civil Engineering at The University of Auckland, just smashed out my second year and onto the third!
Why did you apply for the paid internship with Frequency and what were you hoping to gain?
I applied for the paid internship with Frequency because of the diverse sectors Frequency works across. My goal was to gain experience across various sectors to pinpoint and cultivate my passion within the infrastructure/construction field.
What is the most interesting thing you have learnt during your time at Frequency, and any new skills, techniques, or knowledge?
The most interesting thing I have learned is the importance of cost and risk in projects! Understanding how to assess and manage costs associated with projects, as well as, identifying and mitigating potential risks, has provided me with practical insights into the strategic aspects of project management.
Were there any surprises during your experience?
Absolutely! The experience brought about quite a few surprises. The exposure across various industries—be it rail, wastewater treatment, geotech or structural projects—was beyond my expectations. I didn’t anticipate being so actively involved in projects spanning such diverse sectors. On my very first day, I found myself in meetings with high-ranking individuals from well-known organisations, which was both unexpected and exhilarating and in my second week I worked on tendering for a programme where I had an opportunity to provide my break down tenders and weigh out the cost and risk.
Would you recommend this internship to other students? Why or why not?
Without a doubt yes. If you are a Civil Engineering student torn between a Contracting and Design consulting internship or interested in project management. Why not be exposed to all?
How has this internship helped you for your future studies and career?
Throughout my internship, I have enhanced my communication and project management skills along with technical engineering knowledge. Actively attending site visits and being a part of design consultant meetings has exposed me to real-world scenarios helping grasp the complexities of ongoing projects, contributing meaningfully to discussions.
What is your advice for future Frequency interns?
- Learn Continuously: The learning doesn’t stop when the internship begins. Keep up with industry news, and best practices.
- Excel: Love it or hate it, Excel will be your best friend and will continue to be during your time at Frequency!
- Seek feedback: Actively seek feedback on your performance from your managers or peers. Constructive criticism is a powerful tool for improvement, and it shows your commitment to personal and professional development.
- Just be nice and jump in with an open mind! A smile goes a really long way with people and making yourself as approachable as possible helps open door to new opportunities.
Applications are currently open for our intern positions across our offices starting February 2025. If you are interested and would like to find out more or apply, please email your CV and cover letter to [email protected]