#aires.d

Thank you again AECOM for your time and dedication to the BAC externship. I’m so glad to have learned so many technological & communication tools, work approaches and methods to improve my own developing professional career !

Today was the last day of our externship, and the experience made a lasting impact on me. This week, I learned more about how firms operate, how project teams collaborate across disciplines, and how communication and coordination are essential to getting work completed. I also gained insight into the relationship between design, technical constraints, and client needs. I’m deeply grateful for the mentorship, guidance, and time everyone at AECOM shared with us. “Mentorship can also take place in groups, generally a small number of people with common interests who share wisdom with one another or from a mentor” (AIA Guide 6.2)

A good mentor is patient, honest, and supportive, while a good mentee is curious, open to feedback, and proactive. At AECOM, our mentor, Pablo, exemplifies all aspects of what a good mentor should be, he’s attentive, clarifies any questions and asks us for any incite when prompted. Understanding this “The value of coaching comes from the coach’s ability to listen, expand their client’s own self-knowledge” (AIA Guide 6.3) is quintessential in understanding one’s own relations between themselves, the client, the mentor and the practice as a whole.

Today at AECOM, we focused on a wide varieties of interpersonal connections in regard to the field and one’s own career. One project, Massport, had to discuss a set of changes with Suffolk and AECOM in regards to improvements to Airport infrastructure and it was very exciting hearing the rearward discussions and seeing what roles each persons occupies and how they interact which each other to further the goals of the project. Another is hearing the wise words of Boston-AECOM’s Principal, Gretchen Von Grossman, discussing the approaches in her architecture career and how she initially delve into his field. “Creating a culture of engagement begins with leadership and is reinforced through open and consistent communication,” (AIA. Guide 2.14) is a perfect exemplification of today’s understanding.

Today at AECOM, the social and interpersonal side of collaboration was in everyone’s projects, from inter communication to contacting contractors. Everyone brings different backgrounds and perspectives, yet work together to support each other and succeed. This experience has shown me how meaningful inclusion and teamwork truly are. “Actively developing inclusiveness is important to support people individually and collectively within the firm,”(AIA. Guide 1.2)

My time at AECOM has been revolutionary, there are so many aspects of working at a firm that studio experience at BAC doesn’t really delve into, like the social and interpersonal aspects of a firm of designs not only have their own responsibilities but work communally to succeed in their projects. Referencing the guide, “Each group of people that forms a workplace has the opportunity to produce a unique, robust, and positive culture.” (AIA Guide. 2.13) Everyone here has their own specialties about them that really personalizes and shows in their works and its really fitting.