Welcome back Liam Farrell for his 2nd year as an intern for the building group. Liam is spending his summer working on the Norton Elementary School Project in Cheshire, CT. As a Construction Management major at Roger Williams University, Liam is applying his learning from the lab to the work he is doing out in the field. He was eager to join the Norton team to help complete this elementary school build and experience a different type of construction than the industrial side he saw last summer.
Liam spends his days working closely with his Superintendent and Project Manager, walking the site and participating in foreman meetings. One of his favorite responsibilities is documenting progress with the OpenSpace camera, which mounts to the top of his hard hat and captures a comprehensive view of the building as he moves throughout the site. This technology has become an invaluable tool during meetings, allowing team members to reference exact site conditions and greatly reducing miscommunication. Through his constant presence on site, Liam has developed an exceptional understanding of the Norton School project and can confidently navigate every corner of the building.
Outside of physical tasks, Liam has also learned more about the logistical thinking that comes with running a construction project. “There is a lot of coordination in figuring out who is where on the site and what task can be completed when.” He has been able to improve his time management skills, as well as his communication, both skills necessary in becoming a successful Project Engineer.
Liam says that the biggest challenge for him and the team has been navigating issues out of their control. They have faced many delays, learning to adapt when needed. “We are still waiting on pieces of railing that are coming in from overseas,” Liam explains. He and the team pivot from these issues by focusing on what they can get ahead on, using proactive thinking and a positive mindset.
Anyone can tell that Liam is invested in this internship. Asking questions has been his greatest asset while at O&G and helps ensure he is learning as much as he possibly can. He is grateful to have done so during his first internship, emphasizing how much better prepared it made him for this year. Liam states, “You are doing yourself and injustice by not asking questions. This is the time for learning.” Liam appreciates all the guidance he receives from the crew and attributes a lot of his success to their willingness to teach. He has been able to do a bunch of hands-on work, like coordinating utilities or completing punch list items. Many interns outside of O&G do not get this opportunity, and it is one Liam does not take for granted.
When he is not working, you can find Liam out on the soccer field or playing any sport, really. He helped lead his team at Roger Williams to a conference championship this past year, something he is hoping to do again during his final year at school.
