#puneet d.

[bac-connex]

Thank you, SGH!

Thank you for an incredible externship experience. I am deeply grateful for the mentorship and encouragement I received, and for the opportunity to see how theory and practice unite to solve complex engineering challenges.

From the "trust, but verify" lessons at The Shed to the deep dives into building technology and decarbonization, this experience has been a masterclass in technical excellence. I especially appreciate the inclusive, passionate culture and the way you welcomed me into the team. I’m walking away inspired and ready to apply everything I’ve learned.

[bac-connex]

A Supportive Buddy.

Navigating an externship is always better with a partner, and I couldn't have asked for a better one. My buddy was the definition of kindness and support, acting as a constant sounding board as we tackled new challenges at SGH. Whether we were decompressing after a deep-dive lecture or exploring the intricacies of New York’s architecture together, having someone so grounded and encouraging by my side made the steep learning curve feel like an exciting climb.

I will commit to Peer-to-Peer Mentoring by actively sharing my externship insights and technical resources with my batchmates.

[bac-connex]

A dedicated mentor.

My experience at SGH was shaped significantly by a mentor who understood that growth happens both at the desk and out in the world. From day one, he meticulously planned our schedule to ensure we weren't just observing, but truly experiencing the firm’s inner workings and high-level functions.

He championed a holistic approach to professional life—whether it was ensuring we sat in on specialized learning lectures and technical programs or encouraging us to blow off steam and build connections over a game of foosball. He pushed us to view New York City as a living laboratory, urging us to tour the streets, immerse ourselves in the culture, and draw direct inspiration from the iconic builds surrounding us. Perhaps most impressively, he opened doors to the academic side of the industry, exposing us to key publications and personally encouraging us to reach out and engage in dialogue with the authors. I’m walking away with more than just technical notes; I’m leaving with a blueprint for how to stay curious and connected in this field.

[bac-connex]

An innovative client.

Working behind the scenes at SGH, I was constantly inspired by the caliber of projects that come through our doors. Most clients arrive seeking a definitive solution to complex challenges, and watching the Building Technology department rise to those demands was a masterclass in engineering ingenuity.

What truly resonated with me was the firm’s commitment to material research and the meticulous assembly of building envelopes for historic structures. Seeing how the team breathes new life into old buildings—optimizing energy efficiency while finding brilliant fixes for any technical "mess-ups"—was incredibly inspiring. To top off that day of architectural discovery, I even had the chance to attend a recording of the talk show "Person Place Thing," which perfectly captured the spirit of how the things we build and the places we inhabit define our stories. It’s one thing to build something new; it’s another entirely to engineer the future of our existing skyline with such thoughtful precision.

[bac-connex]

It looks like a progressive workplace!

Beyond the blueprints and technical calculations, my time at SGH New York was a masterclass in intercultural competence. In a city as diverse as NYC, the office acted as a microcosm of the global engineering community, bringing together brilliant minds from countless different backgrounds.

The environment was defined by a spirit of accessibility, allowing for a seamless exchange of perspectives where every unique background was seen as a vital asset to complex problem-solving. A highlight of this collaborative growth was attending a seminar on hospital decarbonization with my supervisor. It was fascinating to see how diverse technical teams converge to solve high-stakes environmental challenges, emphasizing that true engineering excellence requires guidance and advocacy across cultural and disciplinary gaps. Being part of such a diverse team, I saw firsthand how a driven, vibrant group can thrive through mutual respect, all while protecting a genuine personal-professional harmony.

[bac-connex]

Inspirational Workplace

The culture is defined by a team that is as passionate and enthusiastic about engineering as they are about supporting one another.

A standout moment was our walking tour of the city, where our supervisor took us to see The Shed. Beyond the impressive architecture, he used the visit to ingrain a vital professional mantra: "Trust, but verify." This philosophy perfectly encapsulates the SGH approach—combining confidence in our colleagues with the technical rigor required to ensure excellence.

SGH offers high-level mentorship and encouragement in a judgment-free environment, all while prioritizing a healthy work-life balance.

[bac-connex]

Passionate and Empathetic Buddies ✨

Working with two incredible externs, Ethan and Ronald, was a great experience. Our design discussions, which centered on diversity, inclusion, and microeconomies, consistently left me with thought-provoking questions to consider long after the workday ended.

I'm committed to pushing myself out of my comfort zone and engaging with more people. I've realized there's so much to learn and explore, and every conversation sparks new curiosity and creativity.

[bac-connex]

During a one-on-one session with HR, we learned about the mentorship program at PCA. All employees are paired with a mentor and meet at least quarterly.

While the peer mentorship is primarily internal, PCA also engages with externs from BAC and ACE, and participates in new student orientation at BAC. We recently had an insightful conversation about a career in architecture with our supervisor, Steve, and new BAC students.

Our time with Steve and PCA has been fantastic. As the different teams were discussing their projects, Steve always made sure to check in on us and introduce us on our mini-project and other things happening around the office. The whole experience has been incredibly welcoming and insightful, and we definitely have Steve and the whole team at PCA to thank for it.