Kennesaw State student builds real-world experience through structural engineering internship

KENNESAW, Ga. | Jul 8, 2025

KSU student Sophia Pi帽eros is gaining hands-on experience in structural design, site visits, and engineering software through her internship at Stability Engineering.

For Sophia Pi帽eros, engineering is about more than equations and blueprints鈥攊t鈥檚 about building confidence, solving real-world problems, and shaping the future of infrastructure.

This summer, Sophia is interning at Stability Engineering as a Structural Engineering Intern, where she鈥檚 applying her classroom knowledge to real-world projects. Her responsibilities include performing structural calculations, reviewing shop drawings, designing beams and columns, and using software like AutoCAD and Revit to model structures. She also visits construction sites to observe how designs are implemented and ensure they align with engineering plans.

鈥淚 found this opportunity through a KSU job fair,鈥 Sophia said. 鈥淜SU gave me a strong foundation in engineering principles and hands-on experience that helped me feel prepared to take on this role.鈥

Sophia credits her growth to the support of faculty and involvement in student organizations like SHPE (Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers), SWE (Society of Women Engineers), and ASCE (American Society of Civil Engineers). These communities helped her build professional connections and gain leadership experience.

One of her most impactful mentors has been Adrijana Savic, who provided both academic and career guidance. 鈥淗er encouragement and honest feedback pushed me to go beyond what I thought I was capable of,鈥 Sophia said.

A defining moment in her journey was attending the SHPE National Convention through KSU. 鈥淚t was a turning point,鈥 she said. 鈥淚 realized how far I鈥檇 come and how many opportunities were out there. It gave me the confidence to pursue roles I once thought were out of reach.鈥

sophia-pineros-headshot

Sophia also developed essential life skills at 黑料网, including time management, communication, and teamwork. 鈥淏alancing classes, internships, and student organizations taught me how to prioritize and work effectively,鈥 she said.

Her advice to fellow Owls? 鈥淭ake advantage of every opportunity鈥攊nternships, student orgs, career fairs, networking events. Don鈥檛 be afraid to ask questions or seek help. And most importantly, believe in your ability to learn and grow. You don鈥檛 have to know everything right away to be successful.鈥

鈥 Story by Brooke Beatty

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