Practical semester on a major international project: Lukas' Oman adventure
Lukas is studying industrial engineering and construction at the Ruhr West University of Applied Sciences. Part of his studies is an internship semester, which he is completing for 20 weeks at STRABAG Oman LLC. More precisely: on a major flood protection dam project in the capital region of Muscat. But from the beginning ...
Lukas, why did you decide to do your internship semester at STRABAG?
Lukas: Anyone who studies civil engineering or works in the industry knows STRABAG as an international company. I've also always been interested in working abroad. On the STRABAG website, I saw which international projects are currently available and where STRABAG is active worldwide.
My father works internationally as a civil engineer. Whenever possible, we accompanied him on his trips - for example, our family lived in Saudi Arabia for a year and in Iceland for two years. I thought that was great and can therefore imagine myself working abroad later on. That's why I deliberately chose a university that offers an internship semester so that I can go abroad for a few months during my studies.
How does your internship semester work?
Lukas: At the beginning, the previous intern explained everything to me and also introduced me to all the employees. During my first three weeks, we worked together and he gradually handed over the tasks to me. Especially as it was my first work experience, I thought it was very good to have him as a buddy to get me started. Together with the client, I carried out building inspections and also checked the services provided and the partners' invoices.
My tasks also include daily, weekly and monthly reporting on the construction site and the corresponding photo documentation. I'm out on site almost every day to document the progress of the construction site. With temperatures of up to 50 degrees, that's a challenge in itself.
Exciting! And what has particularly impressed you in your work so far?
Lukas: I would like to shed light on that from two perspectives, from a personal and a technical point of view.
On a personal level, I find it fascinating how well the international team harmonizes and works together. Half of the team in the site office are Omanis, while the others come from India, Germany, Poland, Egypt and the UK, for example. From the very first day, I felt part of this team, which really impressed me. I always go to work with a good feeling and can turn to anyone with my problems and questions. My supervisor and mentor on the construction site is the project's technical manager, Piotr. Although he is naturally very busy, he always makes time for me. He explains everything to me in detail and I can come to him at any time.
From a technical point of view, I find the nature and scale of this large-scale construction site very impressive. In addition to the main dam and the secondary dams, an eight-kilometer-long canal is also being built that leads to the reservoir. Seeing the progress here every day is particularly exciting.
What do you think you will remember most about Oman?
Lukas: The hospitality of the Omanis towards me - I always felt welcome in the office and outside of work. The nature here is also beautiful! Muscat offers many sights and activities, such as a visit to the great Sultan Qabus Mosque, tours through the well-known Wadi Shab or a weekend in the turtle reservoir in the city of Ras al-Jinz, which is just under two hours away from Muscat.
During my internship semester, I developed friendly relationships with my team, which will continue beyond the duration of my internship. I will certainly not soon forget the shared experiences, such as sporting activities, joint excursions or the obligatory barbecue at the weekend.
What does Work On Progress mean to you?
Lukas: During my internship semester, I experience Work On Progress in a direct sense every day on the construction site. But I can also relate it to myself personally: I've developed a lot since day one - I've learned a lot professionally, my English has improved significantly and, of course, I've also become more self-confident through my work.
A great development! And what's next for you after the internship semester?
Lukas: Back in Germany, I would like to write my Bachelor's thesis. If possible, I would like to work on a project abroad again afterwards, as I like getting to know new people and cultures and gaining new experiences. I would love to come back to Oman if the opportunity arises.
I would also like to do my Master's degree in the future. I believe that I could make very good use of my current construction site experience during my studies.
I think the trainee program at STRABAG is interesting for the time after my Master's degree. And for the future, I can imagine working as a project manager in the international sector.
Sounds like a plan! Thank you Lukas - for the diverse insights, good luck with your Bachelor's thesis and have fun and success with your further development! Maybe we'll talk again in the future about one of our international projects.