08/21/2026
Huge congratulations to our Structural Engineering intern, Meredith Philyaw, on completing her second summer with us! 🏗️Over the last few months, Meredith dove deep into the worlds of Structural Steel Fabrication and Er****on, gaining invaluable hands-on industry experience. We are incredibly proud of her hard work, curiosity, and growth. As she heads back to NC State University to begin her Junior year, the entire Steel Technology team wishes her the absolute best. Keep engineering the future, Meredith! 🐺🏗️
Area of Study: Civil Engineering with a structural concentration
Get to know our intern:
1. What drew you to intern in our industry?
I've always enjoyed seeing how things are built, and structural engineering is the area that interested me most. I wanted an internship where I could see how designs become real structures, and steel fabrication/detailing seemed like the best place to understand that process from start to finish.
2. What is the coolest thing you have learned about steel fabrication or detailing so far?
The coolest thing has been realizing how much coordination goes into every single connection. On paper it might look simple, but in reality, everything must work together so the steel can be fabricated and erected efficiently.
3. How does seeing a 3D structural model compare to seeing the steel built in real life?
The 3D model makes it much easier to understand and visualize. Seeing the actual steel in the field, though, gives you a much better appreciation for the scale of the members and how much planning goes into making the structure come together.
4. What piece of engineering software (like Bluebeam, Revit, Tekla, or RISA) are you most excited to master?
This past summer I primarily worked in Bluebeam and I have really enjoyed learning how to use that software. In school we work in Revit and I am excited to learn more in future classes.
5. If you could tour any iconic steel structure in the world, which one would you pick?
I'd choose the Burj Khalifa in Dubai. It is currently the tallest skyscraper in the world and I think it shows the possibilities in steel construction.
6. Hard hat or office days: which do you prefer?
I like having a mix of both. Office days are great because I enjoy learning, but getting out on-site helps connect the drawings to the finished product. If I had to choose, I'd probably lean toward field days because I learn a lot by seeing construction firsthand.
7. What is your go-to snack/drink to stay sharp during a long calculation session?
I have a major sweet tooth so it’s usually gummy candy or chocolate.