An Opportunity Awaiting: Applied Engineering
Article by: Rachel Durham
Editor: Kristi Hales
Date: October 8th, 2024
If you're an Applied Engineering student, you are in a pathway where a dynamic and rewarding field is present. Enhancing your education and career is most likely one of the most important things you can do to ensure a successful future in this exciting industry. A way to achieve this is by exploring technician opportunities, such as internships and apprenticeships.
To gain insight into how these opportunities may go, you can look through the lens of someone who has been a part of one of them. Over the summer, a CTLA AE student went through an internship at Siemens Energy, which gave them an understanding of developing skills and relationships in this industry. Siemens Energy offered them the venture of working with shadowing and automation technicians during their day-to-day work, mainly on a customer basis. An example of what they worked on was exchanging out controls at a hospital, where they would speak to the customer and ensure their issues were resolved. They would check on air handlers and air vents. In general, they would engage in how technicians interacted with clients, addressing their concerns and ensuring their equipment operated efficiently.
In the workplace, the student also had the opportunity to witness and engage in the relationships formed. Colleagues got to know each other well and worked together to the point where they could share jokes. Collaboration was also a major element, as coworkers could work on projects together. They felt connected and valued humor and collaboration in the workplace.
Overall, this experience changed this student's professional aspect of things and his work ethic. It showed them how meaningful relationships are in the workplace and how they can impact yourself and others. The best part for them was witnessing how corporate America operates and how well they were treated, especially considering their young age. The student stated, "It wouldn't matter what you did and did not know. If you had an interest in learning, they would treat you like family."
Looking ahead, the student is eager to apply the lessons learned from this experience in the future, at a university or in another job. These experiences have not only improved their professional skills but also their character. There are many opportunities available to students that can also assist them in this area and help them gain an understanding and experience in this field.
If you are interested in exploring more opportunities like this, here are some to consider:
Johnston Community College has an Applied Industrial Technology (AIT) Club. It is open to all students, and it focuses on activities related to industrial technologies. The club gathers monthly to plan events and activities for its members' learning and professional experiences. It's an ideal platform for students interested in computer-integrated machining and other technical areas to network and enhance their skills.
To learn more, visit Applied Industrial Technology (AIT) Club.
The NCDOT High School Summer Internship Program gives students aged 16 and up a chance to get hands-on experience in different transportation-related jobs. Interns can learn about engineering, environmental science, and construction management careers. The program usually happens in the summer, letting students work with professionals on real projects to learn essential skills. Interns might do office work or go into the field, so they get a liking of many different parts of the transportation industry. This program is excellent for students who want careers in science, technology, engineering, math, or public infrastructure.
To learn more, visit NCDOT: High School Internship Program.
NC State University has excellent summer programs for high school students interested in engineering and applied sciences. One of the programs is a week-long Summer Engineering Day Camp for students going into 9th and 10th grade. It's a hands-on experience where students work in teams on different engineering projects, giving them knowledge of what it's like to solve real-world problems. Another program, the Summer Textiles Exploration Program (STEP), is for students entering their senior year. This program focuses on the engineering and technology involved in the textile industry and includes interactive projects at NC State's College of Textiles.
To learn more, visit Summer Programs | College of Engineering and Summer Textile Exploration Program.
The North Carolina Department of Administration (NCDOA) has a unique program called the Lady Cardinal Mentorship Program for high school girls interested in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields. This paid internship lasts four weeks and allows participants to work with essential leaders in the state government. The program aims to help more girls get involved in these careers. During the internship, participants will work with women leaders in different parts of the government, do a project together, and go on trips to learn new things.
To learn more, visit Lady Cardinal Mentorship Program | NC DOA.