Traditionally, student engineering internships are undertaken after completion of third-year undergraduate coursework, but earlier internships can provide benefits both to students and to companies
The importance of internships to students and companies has been discussed in earlier articles [1–3] and is a frequent topic of conversation in an engineering education environment. Internships represent a “win-win” situation for both companies and students. Companies receive much-needed help at a reasonable cost, and can also evaluate potential future hires. Students gain valuable work experience, while also earning money to help cover college expenses. Demonstrating experience is key to landing a desired job at the conclusion of a student’s engineering education.
Internships are generally considered following the junior year of a student’s engineering curriculum, when some of the engineering discipline courses are completed. The thinking is that these discipline courses can contribute to the technical needs of the company. But why not consider internships following the freshman and sophomore years? After one or two years of education, students can demonstrate their ability to contribute meaningfully by supporting smaller engineering activities within an organization. The key is to identify companies with a likelihood of taking on an intern early in his or her college career, and then for the student to sell their abilities. This article points out the steps to be taken in pursuing an early internship.
Employer needs
Engineering organizations face a variety of tasks, from intricate design and analysis to more routine tasks, such as spreadsheet development or field-data retrieval. As a general rule, it is most efficient to align the talent level with the task(s) being considered. For example, it would be inefficient to have a highly experienced engineer performing mundane tasks. Some companies employ engineering technicians to perform the routine tasks. These people typically have a two-year degree and may have worked in drawing development. An engineering student with one year of college completed can readily fill roles such as those of a technician, and are likely able to expand their role. With any major design there are subtasks that can be performed by an early intern under the direction of the responsible engineer (Figure 1). Early interns would be particularly adept at addressing off-line activities, such as the development of standards. Their sharp computer skills help in developing spreadsheet solutions and even addressing IT questions from permanent staff.
FIGURE 1. Early interns can contribute significantly to the design of process equipment, such as an ethylene furnace (Photo courtesy of Shakeel Kazi of Al Bassami Industries)
There is a competitive need for companies to seek out the best and brightest talent. Hiring an early intern is a way to evaluate talent and start to develop relationships. A keen early intern will most likely be brought back for subsequent internships. On an altruistic basis, the company aids in the training of the early intern, even if the intern eventually takes another career path. This is an overall plus for the engineering profession.
Student desires
There are several benefits to an early internship, including the following:
Summer experience. Getting a part-time job that connects with career goals can be beneficial, especially if it means moving on from traditional summer jobs. For engineering students, it’s important to build experience and make the summer count by working at a company in which you are interested. The experience provides interns with a glimpse of what a future career could look like.
Building a resume. Landing an internship early in college helps build a strong resume and gives a head start for future endeavors. It opens up new opportunities and helps students stand out from peers. At career fairs, recruiters notice real experience, which can lead to more interviews and connections.
Compensation. Let’s be honest, money plays a big role in career decisions. Many engineering students are drawn to the field because of its earning potential. For students covering tuition or living costs, a well-paying internship can be a smart and practical choice.
Is this the right major for me? The first two years of college often focus on general education classes, giving students time to figure out if their major is the right fit for them. If the field does not feel right, there is still time to switch to something more meaningful. Sometimes an unexpected internship leads to a new passion. Early experiences help guide better decisions for the future.
How to land an early internship
Landing an internship early can open doors, but it takes planning.
1. Look up local career fairs happening on your campus or nearby. Check for dates and make a plan to attend.
2. Find out which companies will be represented at the fair. Most career fairs have an online page listing all participating organizations.
3. Research companies in which you are interested. Write down details like the organization’s mission, current projects, office locations and any open positions. If you are a freshman or sophomore, look into whether the company hires underclassmen. You can do this by checking job postings, looking at online forums, or asking other students who have interned.
4. Use your research to craft questions that show genuine interest and awareness of your experience level. For example: “I saw on your company’s website that you offer valuable training experiences for underclassmen. As a freshman, what can I do to make a strong impression and bring more value to your company?” This kind of question shows that you’ve done your homework, you are self-aware and you are eager to grow.
Stand apart from peers
As a freshman or sophomore, engaging in activities inside and outside of the classroom is essential for building a strong and well-rounded resume. These experiences typically fall into two categories: academic activities that develop hard skills, and non-academic activities that strengthen soft skills.
Academic activities. Academic involvement helps build technical knowledge and develop skills that connect directly to a major. For example, if you took first-year chemistry and earned a strong grade, elaborate on that experience. You could say something such as, “In my chemistry class, I found it easy to understand the material and apply it during laboratory sessions. That experience helped me realize how much I enjoy working in a laboratory setting.” This kind of reflection shows personal growth and helps connect your general coursework to your interests. Presenting academic activity on a resume is also crucial and will be covered later. Maintaining a strong grade-point average (GPA) early on also matters. It sets the tone for your academic journey and helps you stand out among your peers.
Non-academic activities. Involvement in nonacademic activities focuses on soft skills, such as communication, teamwork and time management. It is important not to limit yourself to academic work alone. Most colleges offer a wide range of clubs and organizations that require minimal time commitment and can be resume boosters if presented thoughtfully. For example, if you are part of the pickleball club, emphasize your punctuality, collaboration and consistency, rather than your athletic performance. Employers value transferable skills that reflect your ability to contribute to a professional environment.
Connections and professional networking. When breaking into engineering, the importance of building and maintaining professional relationships is critical. Networking can open doors to internships, mentorships and long-term career opportunities. One of the most effective ways to start is by joining professional organizations in your early college years. These groups connect you with fellow students, alumni and industry professionals, helping you build a reputation and expand your reach.
For example, the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE; New York, N.Y.; www.aiche.org) is one of many organizations that offer valuable networking opportunities. Joining the organization early shows employers that you are committed to your field and willing to go beyond the classroom to grow professionally. During interviews, be sure to mention your involvement and explain how it has helped you develop as a student. Whether through leadership roles, event participation, or simply showing up consistently, these experiences demonstrate initiative, passion and professionalism.
In the digital age, having a LinkedIn profile is just as important as having a resume. Think of it as a professional version of Instagram or Facebook, but designed for networking, showcasing accomplishments and connecting with others in your field. LinkedIn is a powerful tool for sharing exciting achievements, engaging with industry news and building your personal brand. Many employers use LinkedIn to screen candidates before interviews, so having a well-organized and up-to-date profile can make a strong first impression.
Employer perspective
Let’s step into the mindset of an employer. What are they looking for? While it varies by company and role, most employers seek candidates who will contribute meaningfully to their organization’s goals. Internships are not free. Companies invest in intern wages, onboarding programs and the time of senior employees, who provide training and mentorship. The hope is that this investment pays off when the intern returns as a full-time employee who is already trained, aligned with the company culture, and ready to contribute from day one. Many students are still exploring their academic interests and career paths, which makes them a higher-risk investment for employers. Hiring someone who is not yet committed to their major or industry can result in lost time and resources if that student never returns.
This is not meant to discourage younger students from pursuing internships, it is meant to help students understand what company recruiters are evaluating. If a younger student can demonstrate clarity, passion and a sense of direction, that student will stand out.
Now, let’s return to the student perspective. Suppose you are pursuing a degree in chemical engineering and are passionate about the pharmaceutical industry. At a career fair, you approach a recruiter and say something such as: “I am very passionate about the work your company does in pharmaceuticals. I am currently earning my bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering, and I believe an internship with your team would allow me to apply my skills to support your research-and-development efforts. My goal is to continue growing with your company and, after graduation, transition into a full-time role.” This kind of statement, even as a freshman or sophomore, shows purpose, enthusiasm and alignment with the company’s mission. This is exactly what many employers want to hear.
The resume
A resume is a key part of the hiring process. It is a one-page document that represents all your hard work, accomplishments and potential. Here are a few key notes to keep in mind:
As an underclassman without technical course experience, the resume needs to highlight technical skills or projects learned from general education classes. For example, if a student took an Introduction to Programming course, the resume should reflect that they learned to analyze data using Python or MATLAB.
Keep a resume concise. Recruiters don’t need a full paragraph, just a clear takeaway. This can be combined with company research mentioned earlier. If a student knows the company to which they are applying uses a specific programming language, mentioning that you have experience with programming, even at a basic level, can improve your chances of landing the internship.
Additional resume formatting tips.
• Use numbers: Quantify results
• Be selective: Include only relevant, intentional experiences
• Print on quality resume paper: Presentation matters at career fairs
• Proofread with help: Ask at least three competent people (counselor, parent, mentor) to look over your resume and provide feedback
Concluding remarks
Internships are an integral part of a student’s education and provide much needed help to busy design organizations. Internships also serve to provide an early relationship with prospective employees. Early internships following the freshman or sophomore years are an opportunity for students to set themselves apart as they continue their education and ultimately seek a job or graduate school.
The professional world is complex and competitive. Landing and completing early internships take considerable initiative by a student and demonstrate the student’s drive to excel in later years of college and embark on a professional career. An early internship may be rare, but when it happens, it’s a win for enterprising students, who gain a head start, and a win for companies, who can fill important needs.
Edited by Scott Jenkins
References
1. Rentschler, C., “Engineering Internships: A Win for Students and Companies,” Chem. Eng., May 2019.
2. Rentschler C., “Career Guidelines for Young Engineers,” Chem. Eng., pp. 56–59, January 2018.
3. Shahani, G. and Rentschler, C., “An Engineer’s Guide to Networking,” Hydrocarbon Processing, pp. 21–23, August 2016.
Authors
Carl Rentschler, P.E., is an engineering consultant specializing in project management, business development, client relationship management and procedure development (116 Barn Owl Road, Lititz, PA 17543; Phone: 717-951 4772; Email: rentschl@ptd.net). He has more than 40 years of engineering and management experience (in the power and petrochemical fields) with three international engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) companies. He holds a B.S. in civil engineering from Penn State University and an M.Eng. from Cornell University.
Tobey Field, E.I.T., is an engineering consultant specializing in structural engineering at CDR Maguire Engineering in Allentown, PA. He has over a year of technical experience focused on bridge design and rehabilitation projects. Tobey holds a B.S. in Civil Engineering from Penn State University and is currently pursuing an M.Eng. in Structural Engineering at Lehigh University.