JH
Joel Hara
  • Environmental Earth Science
  • Class of 2016
  • Hebron, CT

Eastern Student Joel Hara of Hebron Achieves Successful Internship

2016 Jan 28

A number of Eastern students commit to student internships as an on-site practical work experience with a company or organization that can provide them with firsthand knowledge of a career field. The internship is usually related to the student's major or is directly related to the student's career interest. They often complement the student's coursework, can incorporate skills and classroom experience into the workplace and assist the student in developing new abilities and skills.

Joel Hara '16 of Hebron functioned as an Geographic Information Systems (GIS) coordinator intern for East Lyme's Planning Department. Hara's major is Environmental Earth Science.

As part of his job, he used GIS data to plan, map out and assist in efforts to create town-based projects such as bridges and parks. He also helped with efforts to build new sidewalks, a boardwalk, bicycle path and dog park. With each of his projects he digitized a schematic of the land and converted it to an online, three-dimensional model. He also provided input and advice related to locations for various building efforts. Using census data and a map of East Lyme, Joel assisted in figuring out the best locations for projects.

"This internship was great for networking," said Hara. "I have met people who own consulting firms, town engineers, civil planners and other key contacts. The internship was a valuable hands-on position and the first step toward his goal of becoming an environmental engineer. I like that I participated in real-world efforts that will impact the lives of others in the community," said Hara. "Its nice designing something that is actually constructed so you can see the results of your efforts first-hand." Hara's success at his internship resulted in the town of East Lyme asking him to continue with them for another internship.