Jonathan Tejeda, RAND's 2016 Facade & Roofing Team Summer Intern
Before I started at RAND as an intern on the Facade & Roofing Team this summer, I had no idea what a FISP was, or for that matter, half of the things an engineering and architecture firm does. I’m glad to say that my internship at RAND changed all that and gave me insight into what engineers and architects actually do. (By the way, FISP stands for Facade Inspection Safety Program, a New York City local law that requires facade inspections of buildings six stories and taller every five years.)
When I settled in on my first day, I thought this can’t be any different from the internship I did last year where I sat in a nice, cozy cubicle and filled out Excel spreadsheets all day. I quickly found out I was wrong about that.
I really felt like I got to learn a lot in my time here, more than I could have ever expected. One of the things that surprised me was how often RAND's engineers and architects get out of the office to go to job sites to check in on the progress of projects. I had to completely change the way I dressed. (Dress clothes are not what you want to wear while walking on a fire escape in near 100 degree weather.) I spent the majority of my time out on site visits, running around the city, and learning how each project is unique with different tasks and responsibilities and the work that goes into them.
Taking measurements for a roof repair and replacement project in Inwood.
From FISP inspection reports and repair programs, roof replacements, and facade restorations, I'm leaving RAND with knowledge that some students wouldn’t expect to gain until they are well into their college years. But as I enter as a college freshman, this internship has put me a few steps ahead of the game.
I can never thank the wonderful people of RAND enough for welcoming me so warmly, being so helpful, and going out of their way to be such wonderful teachers of their craft. I am especially thankful to RAND Project Associate Albelisa Kemp, who mentored me and gave me invaluable experience as I tagged along with her on site visits. I look forward to keeping in contact with the people I met here because RAND truly is one of the Best Places to Work. Thank you for everything, RAND!
Jonathan Tejada is starting his freshman year at the City College of New York majoring in civil engineering.
