Friday, July 24, 2026
On any given day this summer in Tampa, Florida, Viki Partyka could be found doing something new. One week she was in the office learning estimating software. The next, she was out in the field studying equipment and materials up close. By the end of her internship, she had experienced construction from nearly every angle.
Partyka, an incoming sophomore in the University of Florida College of Design, Construction and Planning, is on track to graduate in 2029 with a degree in construction management. Originally from Chicago, she arrived at UF with an interest in the built environment and a willingness to explore. That mindset led her to Burgess Civil, where she spent a month this summer as a construction engineering intern.
“The internship allowed me to see the field of construction from four different angles: estimating, project management operations, field operations, and safety and training,” Partyka said. “Every day was completely different and brought a new opportunity to learn.”
That variety defined her experience. During her time in estimating, Partyka learned to use industry software such as Agtek and Bluebeam, preparing quantity takeoffs and cost estimates for sample projects. She also attended weekly meetings with project managers and superintendents, where discussions ranged from project progress to staffing and upcoming work.
In project management, she was introduced to scheduling, document control, cost coding and requests for information. Out in the field, she reviewed construction drawings and observed how equipment and materials were used in real time. She also stepped into a leadership role, helping present safety talks to construction crews, focusing on how to stay safe in the Florida heat.
“One of the most exciting opportunities was getting to operate heavy machinery such as excavators, bulldozers, and dump trucks,” she said. “We were able to move around dirt and basic materials, which showed me how much skill and precision goes into it.”
The experience was not without its challenges. Learning new software systems pushed her to think carefully and work methodically. Even small mistakes could have significant consequences.
“It took me about an hour the first time for such a small task,” Partyka said. “You have to be very careful, because even the smallest mistakes can have a large impact on project costs.”
That attention to detail is something she began developing during her first year at DCP. Partyka started as an architecture major, where design studio courses helped her build a foundation in plan reading, presentation and communication. Those skills translated directly to her internship, especially when interacting with crews and foremen on job sites.
“Classes like Architectural Design 1 and 2 helped me understand basic plan reading and refined my presentational skills,” she said. “That helped with communication in the field.”
A construction materials course also gave her an early understanding of why certain materials are selected, knowledge she was able to apply as she observed projects in progress.
While the technical skills were important, Partyka said the internship ultimately helped her connect classroom learning to real world application.
“As a student in DCP, this internship helped me connect what I learn in the classroom to the real world,” she said. “Now I have an understanding as to why something is done a specific way.”
That clarity has shaped her long-term goals. Partyka hopes to combine her interests in design and construction, potentially working with a developer or a custom home builder. She is drawn to the idea of being involved in a project from start to finish, contributing to spaces that people enjoy living and working in.
“I would love a career where I can blend both aspects and be involved in a project as much as possible,” she said.
Her path to this internship reflects the initiative she encourages in others. Partyka actively sought out opportunities by reaching out to firms and attending career fairs, determined to gain early experience and explore her options within the field.
“I would tell prospective students to take advantage of all the opportunities in DCP,” she said. “Every professor wants to help their students, and there are so many clubs, organizations and research opportunities to get involved in.”
She has already taken that advice herself. Since arriving at UF, she has been involved with Habitat for Humanity and will serve as a public relations chair, combining her interest in construction with community impact.
Her time at DCP has also been shaped by mentorship. She credits her Architectural Design 1 professor, Gabriel Gonzalez, with helping her build confidence and explore her interests more deeply.
“He helped me build my confidence and reassured me that I could succeed within the DCP field,” Partyka said. “His guidance played a major role in helping me explore majors that better aligned with my interests and career goals.”
Some of her most meaningful experiences, however, have come outside the classroom. Late nights spent in studio alongside classmates left a lasting impression.
“Even though staying up late working in studio is usually undesirable, it made me realize how much I love being around others,” she said. “Those experiences bonded me with the people around me and gave me lifelong friends.”
That sense of connection extends beyond campus. Partyka has already seen how valuable the DCP network can be, particularly in an industry built on relationships. In fact, her connection to Burgess Civil began with a shared link to UF.
“The CEO of Burgess Civil is a UF alumnus, which created a connection when I first reached out,” she said.
At Burgess, that connection quickly turned into an opportunity to learn and grow. According to owner Ben Burgess, Partyka made a strong impression.
“Viki asked thoughtful questions, showed good instincts, and demonstrated a strong willingness to learn,” Burgess said. “I believe those qualities will serve her well as she pursues a career in construction management. We look forward to hopefully having her back for future internships.”
For Partyka, the summer was eye opening.
“The hands-on experiences and relationships that this field offers confirmed my passion for the industry and the type of career I want to pursue,” she said.
It is a realization that began in the classroom, took shape in the field and continues to guide her forward.
