Concrete Quality Control Intern, Beacon Falls
Wentworth Institute of Technology, Civil Engineering and Construction Management Class of 2027
For civil engineering and construction management student Anna Skotnicki, no two days on the job are quite the same—and that’s exactly what she loves about her internship with O&G. Based out of Beacon Falls with the Quality Control team, Anna has spent the summer testing concrete on job sites and collecting samples from quarries across the state.
“I’ve enjoyed the concrete pours and visiting job sites the most,” she says. “Every day is a new experience, and I get to meet so many professionals who offer advice and encouragement about working in the industry.”
From school construction to infrastructure work, each site has given Anna a firsthand look at the complexity of completing a project—and how much teamwork and communication are required to do it well. She especially enjoyed visiting the Torrington Middle High School project, where conversations with seasoned professionals helped her understand just how many moving parts are involved.
A big part of her learning experience has come from working directly with her supervisor, Christian Rinaldi. “He has so much knowledge about concrete and aggregates,” Anna shares. “Before this internship, I thought I understood admixtures, but Chris has taught me so much more, including how some influence other areas of the concrete such as affecting the air or slump of the mix. I’ve learned something new every day.”
She’s also appreciated the opportunity to meet many of the concrete truck drivers. “They’ve all been very friendly and encouraging about my future in the construction industry. It’s always good talking with the drivers.”
Anna says the structure of construction work—combined with the unpredictability of field conditions—is what makes the job so interesting. “I like that there’s a plan, but that every day can shift depending on weather or scheduling. It keeps you on your toes.”
She initially pursued the internship after enjoying construction-related coursework and site visits at college, and now she’s excited about a future in the industry. Her advice to other interns? “Make as many connections as you can with the people you meet on the job sites. You’ll most likely see them again!”
