Internships in Engineering: The Value of Internships and How to Earn One
Many high schoolers and undergraduate students pursuing engineering often partake in internships to supplement their education. This image from admission sight displays two high school students working on an engineering project.
So you’ve got the grades, letters of recommendations, and certifications, and are wondering what you need to set yourself apart from other engineering college and job applicants. The answer is internships. Internships are essential in launching a successful engineering career, helping students to apply their academic knowledge in a work setting, allowing students to understand the purpose of their education.
One of the major benefits of internships is the practical experience they offer. While academic learning gives students the foundational knowledge and the why behind engineering applications, internships offer students the ability to put this knowledge into practice. Specifically, students work on projects, use industry tools, and face real engineering challenges, allowing them to build on the problem solving skills they developed through mathematics courses. Thus, by applying classroom education into the workplace setting, engineering students develop technical competence and essential soft skills.
Furthermore, internships serve as a platform for networking and professional growth. By working alongside experienced engineers, interns gain valuable connections and mentorships, which can lead to future job opportunities–often at the same company–, collaborations, and guidance in career development. Building a strong professional network significantly improves one’s chances of securing a job and provides support throughout one’s career journey.
Of course, a discussion on the value of internships isn’t complete without mentioning the resume benefits. Internships set candidates apart in competitive job markets and even more so in the college application process. Internships display a passion for the field and experience in the workplace setting, thus speaking to the candidate’s proficiency in engineering. They display that the candidate understands workplace dynamics and can handle the demands of the industry. In turn, candidates appear more attractive to potential employers, thus improving their chances of securing a desirable position.
With all this being said, the question is, how does one go about getting an internship? After all, internships are becoming more and more difficult to attain as time passes, with some high school internships having acceptance rates as low as 3% (Turban). Often, securing internships requires going through a competitive application process, and a strong network and resume rich in relevant skills, coursework, projects, and achievements are crucial to emerging successful through the application process. This is where membership in FInE is paramount. By being alongside other future engineers and listening to guest speakers with rich engineering backgrounds, members can develop a strong network, which is helpful in finding opportunities and gaining strong recommendations. Furthermore, by participating in FInE’s competitive events and pursuing leadership, members develop skills, create projects, and win awards that are sure to impress any resume reader.
Internships are vital for anyone pursuing a career in engineering. Offering practical experience, professional networking, and a competitive edge in the job market, they provide an opportunity to apply academic knowledge in workplace situations, develop essential skills, and connect with experienced professionals. By being an active member of FInE, members can boost their chances at securing a highly desired internship position. As engineering evolves, the value of internships will continue to rise, making them a mainstay in engineering education for years to come.
Bibliography
“Exploring NASA Internships for high school students.” Admission Sight, 13 Oct. 2023, https://admissionsight.com/nasa-internships-for-high-school-students/. Accessed 21 July 2024.
“11 Best STEM Internships for High School Students.” Lumiere Education, n. d., https://www.lumiere-education.com/post/11-best-stem-internships-for-high-school-students#:~:text=7.,Austin%20in%20collaboration%20with%20NASA. Accessed 21 July 2024.
