As summer heats up, so does the energy and enthusiasm for our summer interns. Our internship program isn’t just about gaining experience; it’s about providing meaningful, hands-on opportunities that truly support and shape future professionals. This year, JBC Associates is proud to spotlight our standout intern Chris Abate, a student at Florida Gulf Coast University. In celebration of National Intern Day, we’re excited to share Chris’s journey and contributions during his time with us.
A Daily Snapshot:
Chris’s typical day at JBC was anything but ordinary. Under the mentorship of Stephen Ryan, P.E., Chris immersed himself in the Pennsylvania Turnpike Demolition of Toll Plazas project, where he was involved in reviewing project plans, interpreting signage and pavement marking documentation, and participating in field operations. His responsibilities included:
- Completing Inspector Daily Reports (IDRs)
- Managing Maintenance and Protection of Traffic (MPT) forms
- Organizing progress photos
- Supporting day-to-day field activities
The project team would check in and meet regularly to review progress, go over inspection and report workflows.
“Every day I’m learning something new — whether it’s how to read a plan set more effectively or how to communicate with contractors in the field. It’s been a hands-on experience that’s really helped me grow.” — Chris Abate
Chris AbateLearning Through Action with Hands-On Experience:
Chris has gained valuable exposure to industry-standard platforms and tools, including:
- CDS for construction documentation
- Bluebeam for plan review and markups
- Excel for creating organized tracking systems for signage and pavement markings
He’s also sharpened his ability to interpret construction drawings and translate them into actionable field tools—skills that are essential for any aspiring engineer or manager.
Collaboration and Communication:
Chris worked closely with other interns and inspectors on-site, gaining insight into how different teams collaborate to keep projects moving efficiently. “He’s become more confident in asking questions, offering input, and taking feedback constructively,” added Stephen.
One of Chris’s standout achievements has been the development of a spreadsheet that clarifies requirements for the inspectors on the project. This will simplify and improve documentation accuracy throughout the project.
“Creating the spreadsheet showed me how I could take initiative and contribute something meaningful to the project.” — Chris Abate
Mentor’s Perspective:
Chris is gaining invaluable insights. Mr. Ryan is a seasoned pro, boasting 40 years of experience in project management across the design, construction, and delivery of intricate engineering endeavors. He shared a tip for Chris, entering his senior year of college. “My advice to Chris is simple: trust your instincts and keep pushing to learn more from every assignment.”
Chris’s time with us at JBC Associates has truly been a journey of growth, initiative, and a wonderful passion for learning. From all of us at JBC, thank you, Chris, for your hard work and dedication. We’re proud to have been part of your journey!
→ Jul 31, 2025
