Focus on Engineering
Why Intern?
When you’re trying to decide what you want to do with your life or if the major you’ve picked is really right for you, an internship can be the perfect way to test the waters and see what’s out there, and you’ll build up an impressive résumé in the process.
By offering internships, apprenticeships and summer programs, businesses get cheap (or free) student labor, and you get the chance to work side-by-side with brilliant people in your field, gaining hands-on experience in coveted positions.
Employers love to see where you’ve been and what you’ve accomplished as an engineering student. With internships or co-operative education opportunities under your belt at corporate giants like Lockheed Martin and Boeing or creative powerhouses like Pixar, you could stand out from all the other fresh-out-of-college grads trying to land their first engineering job.
To give you a taste of the real world as an engineer, we’ve tracked down a few internships that could challenge you, cultivate your geeky genius, and help you shoot to the front of any job-hunting pack.
Work for the Government
SMART (Science, Mathematics, & Research for Transformation)
This scholarship and internship service program sponsored by the U.S. Department of Defense is open to undergraduate, masters and doctoral students who’ve shown an aptitude in the fields of science, technology, engineering, or mathematics.
As a SMART scholar, you’ll receive a stipend of $22,000 to $39,000 a year, paid full tuition and related education fees at the university of your choice, an annual book allowance of $1,000, health insurance, paid summer internships, paid travel to internships, and post-graduation employment placement.
You’re eligible to apply for a SMART scholarship if you’re pursuing a degree in any one of a number of STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) disciplines, including aeronautical, astronautical, chemical, civil, electrical, mechanical, and nuclear engineering.
WISE (Washington Internships for Students of Engineering)
This program, sponsored by seven engineering societies, offers college juniors and seniors a $2,100 stipend and paid housing at George Washington University, as well as fare cards for the Washington Metro system.
During the 10-week internship, you’ll learn how government officials arrive at decisions on complex technological issues and how engineers can contribute to legislative and regulatory public policy decisions. You’ll also research and present a paper on a public policy issue that’s relevant to your sponsoring society.
Get a Taste of Corporate Life
Genentech
Students who’ve completed their sophomore year can intern for this California biotech company that was just named one of Fortune magazine’s “100 Best Companies to Work For” for the 10th consecutive year.
The intensive 10–12-week internship program is a paid position and offers relocation assistance for eligible interns. You’ll also get a free health club membership.
Of the approximately 165 internships available, roughly 35% are in research and development, and the remaining 65% are positions in other corporate functions.
If you’re enrolled in the Cooperative Education program at your university, you may be able to earn academic credit with one of Genentech’s paid co-op positions that allow you to work full-time during the summer and part-time during the academic year.
Apply online at Genentech’s website.
Boeing
As a Boeing intern, you might help develop next-generation anti-tank weaponry, microelectromechanical (MEM) load sensors for commercial airliners, or integrated circuits for a mission to Mars.
Boeing pays relocation for eligible interns, providing temporary lodging along with a mileage allowance. You can expect to work anywhere from Seattle to Cocoa Beach, Fla.
Electrical, industrial, mechanical, and computer engineers-in-the-making can apply online. Boeing will work with you to pinpoint your area of expertise and match you with a program that suits your skills.
Test Your Creativity
Pixar
The animation dynamo behind Toy Story, Finding Nemo and The Incredibles offers paid internships to college juniors in engineering, animation, technical direction, production management, story, marketing, and editorial production.
Most internships are offered throughout the year. In general, the company looks for people with broad artistic and technical ability, as well as communication and collaboration skills.
Online Resources