Interns at FPA: Colin Westhoven
In recognition of National Intern Day, we’re highlighting some of the students currently in the Internship Program at French & Parrello Associates (FPA). National Intern Day, held on July 25th this year, is used as an opportunity to acknowledge and recognize the future leaders of our world. Through this spotlight series, we mean to highlight our appreciation for the Interns at FPA and all the hard work they do.
The following is a Q&A with Colin Westhoven, an Intern in the Mechanical Engineering Department at FPA. Colin currently attends Villanova University as a Mechanical Engineering student. He will be entering his junior year this Fall.
What has been your greatest takeaway during your internship at FPA, so far?
I would say learning about HVAC systems and their implications within a new or existing building. Within HVAC I find it very interesting how different types and sizes of rooms need different units. After this the whole building must fit the units together in the correct manner to make a comfortable living space. It takes a lot of careful and thoughtful planning.
What would you say is the best thing about interning at FPA?
The people I interact with are very kind and informative. It makes it very easy for me to learn and expand my professional knowledge. The people around me help by allowing me to have my space and try to work things out on my own. However, when I do need help, they are always ready to answer my questions or come to my desk to assist me.
What career path do you hope to take after graduation?
While I am not exactly sure, I would like to stay within the engineering consulting industry. The part of engineering consulting that makes me want to stay is the problem solving. I like how a client comes to you with something they cannot figure out and it is your responsibility to fix their problem. I find that work to be rewarding.
