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Civil Engineer Intern Mock Interview

Question 3 of 30 for our Civil Engineer Intern Mock Interview

Civil Engineer Intern was updated by on April 15th, 2022. Learn more here.

Question 3 of 30

Describe a conflict you had with another student or professor and how you handled it.

"For my senior project, I was working with a group of graduate students to prepare an innovative solution to a real-world engineering problem and prepare a presentation of the different options we considered. The group was responsible for conceptualizing the ideas and presenting a preferred project plan on how to implement the idea. Early on in the process, we developed an action plan for completing the presentation and alternative solutions. Two of the team members were busy with others things and wanted to work more independently, but this was a team project and we needed to find time to collaborate and meet regularly. Instead of starting an argument about the importance of meetings, I suggested that we gather everyone together to explain their reasoning for their side. Eventually, we decided to hold a daily, virtual meeting that would last no more than ten minutes to provide short updates on our task progress. We came together on Fridays for longer team meetings to discuss progress and assemble the final presentation."

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How to Answer: Describe a conflict you had with another student or professor and how you handled it.

Advice and answer examples written specifically for a Civil Engineer Intern job interview.

  • 3. Describe a conflict you had with another student or professor and how you handled it.

      Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

      This question provides an example that allows interviewers to assess your conflict resolution skills based on an actual event in your past. It helps them assess how you respond to conflict with peers or coworkers and how you work on a team.

      Written by Sue Oberliesen on April 15th, 2022

      How to Answer

      To answer this question, provide a specific example from your college experience when you had a conflict with another student or professor. Your response to this question can demonstrate your ability to collaborate effectively with a variety of working styles. When answering this question, explain how you respond to disagreements between multiple people and how you work to resolve them to accomplish individual or team goals.

      It can be helpful to use the STAR method for your response:
      Situation: Describe the conflict or challenge.
      Task: Explain your role in the conflict.
      Action: Discuss the steps you took to resolve the conflict.
      Result: Describe the results of your actions.

      Written by Sue Oberliesen on April 15th, 2022

      Answer Example

      "For my senior project, I was working with a group of graduate students to prepare an innovative solution to a real-world engineering problem and prepare a presentation of the different options we considered. The group was responsible for conceptualizing the ideas and presenting a preferred project plan on how to implement the idea. Early on in the process, we developed an action plan for completing the presentation and alternative solutions. Two of the team members were busy with others things and wanted to work more independently, but this was a team project and we needed to find time to collaborate and meet regularly. Instead of starting an argument about the importance of meetings, I suggested that we gather everyone together to explain their reasoning for their side. Eventually, we decided to hold a daily, virtual meeting that would last no more than ten minutes to provide short updates on our task progress. We came together on Fridays for longer team meetings to discuss progress and assemble the final presentation."

      Written by Sue Oberliesen on April 15th, 2022

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