My Internship Experience at Meskel

December 11, 2020

By Bettina Huang, Marketing Intern

I’m Bettina Huang, a sophomore at Northwestern University studying Journalism and Psychology. Like most students last April, the pandemic sent me straight back home much to my chagrin and my parents’ excitement. After an abridged freshman year, cancelled internships, and far too much Netflix, I was elated to hear that Meskel & Associates Engineering was looking for a marketing intern! After a rapid application process, I joined the team in June and since then I have had the most rewarding, albeit unexpected, internship experience!

Photo by Bettina Huang

If you follow our social media, you’ve probably seen my work. As the Marketing Intern, I was tasked with launching MAE’s social media, but ended up learning more about hand augers, borings, and Atterberg samples than I’d ever imagined possible in a few months. I found myself in unique situations, sweating profusely alongside our staff engineers as I captured our inspection services and balancing on a boat to get the perfect shot of our drillers on a barge. Though I walked in only expecting to work on our social media and website, Meskel allowed me to go beyond my job description and take initiative on the projects I wanted to pursue. 

Photo by Bettina Huang

Due to this, I was able to pitch and organize Meskel’s first company fundraiser in partnership with Feeding Northeast Florida, raising $4,000 for their efforts to combat hunger. Through this experience, I honed project management, communication, and marketing skills that will transcend my time with Meskel. It would not have been possible without the support of Meskel & Associates staff members, my supervisor and mentor Lu Bryant, and Tina Meskel, who gave the intern with a slide deck a chance. I simply cannot imagine having this opportunity and the level of support I received anywhere else and I am so grateful for my internship with Meskel.

Photo by Bettina Huang
Hey everyone! Looking for a fun and festive dish to wow your guests this 4th of July?
 
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Get ready to celebrate the sweetest day of the #celebrationcake 
It's National Ice Cream Cake Day! 🎉 

What's your go-to flavor combo? Share your favorites in the comments below! 👇 

#NationalIceCreamCakeDay
We're excited to share our latest marketing video with you! 🎉 Get a closer look at what Meskel and Associates Engineering can do for all your Geotechnical needs. We hope you enjoy it! #Geotech #EngineeringExcellence #meskelandassociates Associates
It's Trivia Tuesday - ok here goes and no googling the answers! 

According to a group of Purdue engineering students, the answer is actually 252 licks! But what type of pop started advertising in 1969 that the world may never know how many it takes to get to the eponymous center of one of its confectioneries?
Happy International Women in Engineering Day! 🎉 

Today, we celebrate the incredible achievements and vital contributions of women who are shaping the future of engineering. From groundbreaking innovations to essential infrastructure, women engineers are making a powerful impact every single day. Let's continue to promote diversity and gender equality in STEM and inspire the next generation of brilliant female minds! 
#WomenInEngineering #STEM #DiversityInSTEM #meskelandassociates #WOSB
Happy First Day of Summer, Y'all! ☀️

Even though it feels like summer decided to arrive a month early here in Jacksonville, today is officially the Summer Solstice – the longest day of the year!

We've already been enjoying those long, sunny days and warm evenings. What are you most looking forward to this official summer? Beach trips, backyard BBQs, or just soaking up more sunshine?

Let us know in the comments! #FirstDayOfSummer #SummerSolstice #JacksonvilleSummer #AlreadySummer #meskelandassociates
Wishing everyone a joyful and meaningful Juneteenth! Today we celebrate freedom, progress, and the vibrant spirit of the Black community. Let's continue to move forward together. #Juneteenth #Freedom #Unity
👷‍♂️💧 Geotech Pros, Listen Up! 💧👷‍♀️

When you're out there on a drilling project, what's one of the most critical factors that can make or break your design and construction? The WATER TABLE!

Seriously, understanding the groundwater conditions is NON-NEGOTIABLE. Ignoring it can lead to:

Dynamic failures
Unstable slopes
Unexpected dewatering costs
Delays and budget overruns
Knowing where that water table sits (and how it fluctuates!) allows us to:

✅ Accurately design foundations
✅ Predict soil behavior under various conditions
✅ Plan effective dewatering strategies
✅ Ensure project safety and longevity

So, before you finalize those designs, make sure your geotech drilling plan includes thorough investigation of groundwater levels. It's an investment that pays dividends in project success!

#GeotechnicalEngineering #Drilling #WaterTable #Groundwater #ConstructionSafety #SiteInvestigation #GeotechTips #meskelandassociates #thebuildstartswithus
Happy Father's Day! So much gratitude for all the fathers, grandfathers, stepdads, and father figures today. Thank you for the lessons, the laughter, and for always being there. Your love makes a world of difference.
#HappyFathersDay2025 #meskelandassociates
Today, on Flag Day, let's remember the unity and strength our flag represents. It's a reminder that despite our differences, we are all united under one nation. Wishing everyone a meaningful Flag Day! 

 #FlagDay #Unity #America #meskelandassociates
Geotechnical engineering is an ancient science. Examples of early geotechnical engineering and slope erosion control can be found as far back as 2000 BC, when ancient Mesopotamia and Egypt started employing construction practices to irrigate crops, create dams and dykes and even dig canals. You could argue that we owe the history of civilization to early geotechnical engineers!
#funfact #meskelandassociates #knowledgeispower
Trivia Tuesday Question ...
will you get the answer (without googling it)??

Situated on the banks of the Red Sea, the 436-ft structure known as "Jeddah Light" is often cited as the tallest of what type of structure, despite the fact its primary purpose is as an observation tower?
Happy Marvel Engineering Monday! Let's talk about the Laerdal Tunnel in Norway. This isn't just a 15-mile hole through a mountain; it's a brilliantly designed feat of engineering that prioritizes driver safety and experience. With special lighting and rest areas, it turns a long journey into something truly unique. What an incredible blend of form and function! #MarvelEngineeringMonday #LaerdalTunnel #NorwayEngineering #TunnelDesign #SafetyFirst #ModernMarvel