An internship is a time when theory meets reality, and future specialists get their first real chance to fully understand their chosen profession. We spoke with Viktorija Kristina – now a fourth-year student in the “Safety Engineering” program at Riga Technical University – about the challenges and opportunities she experienced during her internship. Viktorija joined our company as an occupational safety specialist assistant, spending almost eight months diligently learning the specifics of occupational safety in the construction industry. Her story is one of self-challenge, discovery, and growth – both professionally and personally.
From the desire to test herself to an inspiring experience
Viktorija explains that her decision to apply for an internship at our company was no coincidence. She was drawn to the construction industry as one of the most hazardous fields, offering a fast track to understanding the more complex aspects of the profession. Although she sent her CV to several companies, it was our team’s openness and willingness to meet in person that convinced her to choose us.
Involvement and tasks
The main goal during her internship was to understand the daily work of an occupational safety specialist and apply the knowledge gained at university in practice. Viktorija studied the company’s occupational safety system and conducted a building fire safety audit, gaining both theoretical and practical insights into ensuring safety in construction.
Projects and achievements
Every site inspection during the internship was valuable for Viktorija, providing her with new understanding of the importance of occupational safety. She says the experience allowed her to see the everyday reality of construction “from the inside” and truly grasp the role of safety standards.
The team as the foundation for growth
Viktorija feels fortunate to have joined a friendly and supportive team. No one expected the impossible – instead, they created an environment where she could learn, make mistakes, and grow. This gave her a sense of security and motivated her to take on increasing responsibility.
New skills and professional maturity
She was particularly inspired by her internship supervisor, occupational safety specialist Māra Kukoja, who shared her wealth of knowledge and experience. Viktorija developed communication skills for working on construction sites, learned to think rationally, spot safety violations, and manage emotions in professional situations. Being entrusted with independent site inspections accelerated her professional growth.
Challenges and overcoming them
One of her biggest challenges was learning to stay calm in situations where her safety recommendations were not well received. Over time, she learned to take criticism with a smile and focus on solving problems professionally.
New insights into the industry
The internship gave Viktorija a clear understanding of why construction is considered a dangerous industry. She also realized that her chosen profession is both highly responsible and critically important for the company.
Overall evaluation
Compared to her classmates, Viktorija considers herself lucky with her internship choice. Nearly eight months in our company gave her valuable knowledge, inspiration, and confidence in her future career.
Most memorable moment
One event that stands out for Viktorija was having to halt construction work for safety reasons. At first, it took courage and consultation with her supervisor, but the situation was resolved safely and professionally. This moment became a motivation to become a specialist capable of reacting quickly and solving complex problems.
Looking ahead
Viktorija’s immediate goal is to graduate and become a fully qualified occupational safety specialist. She wants to take on greater responsibility and contribute to the development of the company’s safety culture.
If she had to describe her internship in one sentence, she would say: “My internship was a valuable and inspiring experience that allowed me to grow both professionally and personally, learning the real responsibilities of an occupational safety specialist in the construction industry.”
This story proves that with the right environment and the right people, an internship can become a meaningful springboard for a future career. On August 25, Viktorija will have her last working day at LEC. We wish her even greater success in her professional journey! May every challenge become a step forward in her career development.
If you are also looking for internship opportunities in the construction industry, send an email to personals@lec.lv.
