July 25, 2024

Starting strong: How internships provide Wayne State engineering students with a competitive edge

Mostafa Sameer, a civil engineering graduate student, is a quality assurance engineer with Fluor at the Gordie Howe International Bridge project. “I have learned the importance of meticulous attention to detail and the necessity of adhering to strict quality standards and protocols. I have also gained insight into the complexities of coordinating large-scale international infrastructure projects, including managing cross-border regulations and logistical challenges.”

Internships and co-ops are essential for engineering students to grasp what it takes to excel in the workplace right from the start. They can also be the deciding factor in securing a dream job after graduation.

Approximately 80% of students in Wayne State University's College of Engineering complete at least one internship before graduating. These experiences allow them to work in interdisciplinary teams in fast-paced industries, applying their academic knowledge in real-world settings.

“This internship is giving me valuable hands-on experience that goes beyond what I've learned in the classroom,” said Nuha Ahmed, a senior computer science student and software engineering intern at Ally Financial in Detroit. “I'm learning how to apply my studies in a corporate environment and gaining insights into how large teams operate. I'm also getting a deep understanding of Agile workflows, which is essential for modern software development.”

Many WSU interns are benefiting from the opportunity to learn the tools of their professions. Adam Dabak, a senior electrical engineering major, is gaining experience using CATIA computer-aided design software on his co-op with Toyota Research and Development. Senior computer science student Lilyan Toma has an internship with Ford Motor Company’s Cyber Security Red Team. She led a project aimed at advancing her team's capabilities through penetration testing. This involved integrating code repositories, configuring secure mail servers and automating processes with scripts.

“Through deep dives into network security and hands-on experience with Git, GitHub, and Google Cloud Platform, I developed foundational skills crucial for a career in cyber security,” said Toma, who last summer was a systems testing intern at Harman International.

Nuha Ahmed is a senior computer science student with a minor in business administration. She is spending her summer as a software engineering intern at Ally Financial in Detroit. She has been coding JavaScript functions to implement tags in company’s Ally Ride Return website, which provide detailed information to the Ally analytical team.

It is common for Wayne State engineering students to complete more than one internship during their academic career.

Hannah Wetzel, a civil engineering senior, is a transportation intern with Wade Trim. Her projects have included a traffic safety study with the Ohio Department of Transportation, a Wayne County bridge scope and a Joe Louis Greenway wall inspection. This is Wetzel’s second internship with the company, and she has “learned how to work with engineers and technicians from all walks of life and areas of expertise.”

Other civil engineering students have been able to directly affect major infrastructure projects in and around Detroit. Graduate student Mostafa Sameer is a quality assurance engineer with Fluor at the Gordie Howe International Bridge project. Mesach Atilola, also a graduate student, is an assistant traffic engineer with Detroit’s Department of Public Works helping to modernize traffic signals in various intersections across the city. Sophomore Lexi Schade is a construction intern with the Road Commission for Oakland County working on various roads and bridges in the area, and performing surveying work, materials testing and inspecting.

“This internship has given me real-world experience that I would never have dreamed of before,” said Schade.

One of the key benefits of internships and co-ops is the opportunity to connect with industry leaders and peers that can be invaluable for future career opportunities. Jordan Grewe, a senior computer science student, traveled to Santa Ana, California for an internship with Airborne Systems. He is working on safety-critical projects in the aerospace industry.

“Being able to network with co-workers and clients that work for NASA, Boeing, SpaceX, Lockheed Martin and Blue Origin is a great opportunity to jump to flight control systems,” said Grewe.

Lexi Schade, a sophomore civil engineering (and dance) student, is a construction intern with the Road Commission for Oakland County.

The genesis of many employer-to-student relationships can be sourced from the college's Engineering Career Resource Center, which helps students with their professional and career development goals. The ECRC hosts numerous workshops and events, including two career fairs annually, to better prepare students for their career pathways.

Some students also register for BE 3500 (zero credit co-op) or BE 3510 (one credit internship).

“Since the class shows up on your transcript, it is a great way to document and give credibility to the internship,” said Mary Zinser, director of student services for the College of Engineering. “Students are required to submit a progress report halfway through the semester, a final report, and I meet via Teams with their supervisor.”

The importance of experiential learning opportunities is why internships and co-ops are a high-impact practice of the College of Engineering and a key aspect of WSU’s College to Career initiative, which opens doors for students to encounter the world, gain deeper insights and new perspectives, and prepare for prosperous careers.

The Wayne State University College of Engineering is proud to celebrate National Intern Day. Visit the photo gallery on Flickr to learn more about where WSU engineering students are working this summer.

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