Heavy Civil Intern – I-91 / I-691 / Rte. 15, Meriden
University of Connecticut, Civil Engineering, Class of 2026
This summer marks Shakeer Bartlett’s first professional experience in the construction industry—and it’s been a strong start. As part of the team on the Meriden project, Shakeer is working in Quality Control (QC), where he’s gaining insight into every phase of construction. “What makes QC exciting is that you get to be involved in all aspects of the job,” he says. “I love doing field runs and daily QC inspection reports. It’s great seeing firsthand what contributes to truly quality work.”
Shakeer admits that the volume and complexity of communication on a large infrastructure project surprised him at first. From submittals to material certifications, he quickly learned that progress depends on close coordination and constant collaboration. “There’s so much effort from everyone involved,” he explains. “And when unexpected issues come up, it’s been fascinating to see how creative and effective the problem-solving can be.”
With this being his first internship, Shakeer wasn’t sure what to expect—but he now knows he’s found the right environment for his future. “This experience has confirmed that this is the kind of work I want to be doing,” he says. “The pace, the people, and the level of support on-site have all made it a really positive experience.”
Shakeer connected with O&G through a career fair at UConn, where a brief conversation with John Rouleau, Vice President Heavy Civil Division, and Project Executive on the Meriden project, convinced him to apply. That instinct paid off, and he’s made the most of the opportunity—learning from teammates both in the field and the office. “So many people have helped me, it’s hard to name just one,” he says. He credits Bruce Gaudet at the main office for getting him started and mentions a long list of colleagues in Meriden and beyond—including Paul Kuna, Kevin O’Connell, Jerry Traub, Tony Criscuola, Bob Nardi, Kevin Mierzejewski, and many more—for generously sharing their time, insight, and encouragement.
His advice for future interns? “Ask questions—especially to those with decades of experience. And be willing to step outside your comfort zone to improve your weak points.”
Outside of work, Shakeer keeps active with weightlifting and basketball, and he’s an avid reader. Whether in the field or in life, it’s clear he’s always looking for ways to grow.
