I worked as a Project Engineer and a Superintendent where I learned about how a refinery operates, project engineering, management, worksite safety, construction supervision, and project planning and logistics. I also had projects that now have forever changed the refinery.
I had the opportunity to physically work on prototype commercial vehicles, learn how to drive them, and redesign the build shop to help promote efficiency, effectiveness, and safety. I also mentored other interns and professionals on how to operate Navistar's vehicles.
During my 10 weeks with Perry, I have learned a wealth of information from land development, foundation, framing, and finishing. It is a great opportunity to both refine your construction management skills as well as get your hands on the project every day.
As an intern at Turner Construction, I was provided valuable insight on the processes involved in creating successful and sustainable projects. The standard for quality and commitment upheld at Turner has taught me the importance of striving for excellence in every aspect of my life.
Working on R&D vehicles was an extraordinary experience. Will be taking a lot of what I learned throughout the rest of my career!
Being given the opportunity to conduct my own extensive research alongside a faculty mentor has had a profound impact on how I view my future as a scientist. I’ve become more aware of the fact that the lab is a safe space for me and is where I can see myself after my undergraduate degree.
I learned that though technical skills are expected and important, but the ability to learn and adapt are more paramount. Soft skills like communication and interpersonal interactions are a necessity as well.
Through the CBE SMASH program at Notre Dame, I was able to conduct research on soft materials and developing hydrogels that are more efficient in drug delivery. I learned how to engage in research and present my findings to a professional audience.
Working at the Ragon Institute of Mass General Hospital, MIT, and Harvard in the Bryson Lab through the MIT Summer Research Program revealed both the demanding and rewarding aspects of research. My work on tuberculosis inspired me to continue to pursue research that benefits underrepresented communities.
I had the opportunity to apply the knowledge I gained at UTSA to real-world projects. My work included conducting climate analyses, energy modeling for high-performance buildings, building life-cycle assessments, and research which all significantly influenced design decisions.
During my architecture internship in India, I gained invaluable insights into sustainable design practices and traditional construction techniques, broadening my perspective significantly. The hands-on experience with local artisans opened my eyes to the profound impact of culturally responsive design.
I had an amazing opportunity to hone my programming skills by using computer vision within a biomedical context. I developed algorithms to detect and segment specific regions in retinal images, gaining valuable insights and collaborating effectively with a dedicated team.
It was humbling to be in a position of leadership in the packaging department at Frito-Lay PepsiCo. People of greater tenure at the company showed me great respect which empowered me to do and be better as their leader. I was grateful to get a glimpse into the food manufacturing industry because as a Chemical Engineer there are many different industries you can go into!
During my internship at NASA, I supported operations for the ISS and Artemis Program flight following EVAs, training astronauts, and getting hands on engineering experience, especially with NASA’s EMU. I feel blessed to have been able to learn from some of the best engineering minds and contribute to the future of human space exploration.
At Elevate Systems, I was able to get my first experience in the Aerospace Industry. I used Solidworks to help design parts for various aircrafts, and I was able to earn my CSWA certification at the end of my internship.
Natalia Lopez | Boeing
"During my summer internship at Boeing, I had the chance to work on data management, software development, and electrical systems. It was exciting to see how detailed components come together to operate a project. I enjoyed collaborating with engineers from diverse backgrounds and seeing how versatility is key to making aircraft possible."
Jose Morales | Proctor and Gamble
"In Summer 2024, I was a manufacturing intern for Proctor and Gamble at their Box Elder Facility in Utah. I was part of the Family Care Business Unit where I worked on the converting side helping make products such as Charmin Ultra Soft and Bounty Paper Towel."
Casey Cody | TxDOT (Texas Department of Transportation)
"During my summer internship with TxDOT, I played a important role in collaborating with on-duty operations on Highway 151. This experience provided me with the opportunity to acquire valuable skills in estimating, material management, and overall project management duties. I was actively involved in hands-on tasks such as bridge concrete pours, OSB installations, and inspection duties, contributing to the successful execution of the project."
Jonathon Vela | Bartlett Cocke General Contractors
"I was able to communicate with other companies to complete the job. I was given the opportunity to manage a section on my own."
Max Miller | Guido Construction
"All the people here have been very helpful and encouraging, I have constantly learned from my first day. I have learned what my strengths are and bettered my weaknesses. I am a lot more prepared to enter the workforce."
Chastidy Gonzales | Perry Homes
"One of my favorite events with Perry Homes was "Thoughtful Topics with Leaders" where we were able to ask different leaders throughout the company questions and advice. My second most favorite event was the Final Day Intern Event where I got to learn how to play pickleball with the other interns."
Jaziel Gonzalez | TxDOT (Texas Department of Transportation)
"I have worked throughout 10 different counties in Texas in an effort to improve all signal systems. My daily tasks often involve me operating an ariel bucket, handle ac/dc systems with various voltages.'
Isaiah Goad | LS Power
"During my internship at LS Power as a systems engineer, I successfully completed challenging projects that aligned with my interests, particularly programming in Python for data automation. I also contributed to important mapping projects for substations being constructed nationwide using Python and SQL for Data Collection."
Gladvin George | Navistar
"During my time at Navistar, I had the opportunity to assist in several innovative projects in additive manufacturing, which significantly enhanced our production efficiency and reduced costs. It was great to see how new technology impacted the company in practical applications, and I gained valuable real-world experience"
Sebastian Castellanos | General Motors
"I interned at Kautex Textron in San Antonio as a Manufacturing Engineer this summer, where I learned the detailed process of manufacturing fuel tanks and the engineering intricacies of an assembly line. I worked on several projects aimed at improving the production line, and the sense of achievement I gained from these projects made me realize that this is a place where I want to start my career. The dynamic nature of the work, which requires knowledge of both mechanical and electrical systems, ensures that there is always something new to learn and no two days are the same."
Alejandro Villanueva | CPS Engery
"Over the course of my 10-week summer internship with CPS Energy, I was able to learn about new smart grid technologies that are helping modernize San Antonio's current infrastructure. The connections I made with my mentors and peers has helped guide me on the next steps in my career in the energy and utilities industry."
Ashley Motola | University of Miami
"My favorite part of the experience was working alongside bright individuals to research innovative solutions for coastal communities. The scientific environment fostered a dynamic exchange of ideas and perspectives, which significantly enhanced the problem-solving process. Engaging with such talented colleagues inspired me to approach challenges with a fresh and creative mindset."
Jacob Arras | Laboratory of Malaria Immunology and Vaccinology
"During my ten weeks working at the NIH, I learned a great deal about vaccine design as well as the importance of collaboration in making meaningful contributions in research combatting diseases. It was an amazing experience I look forward to reflecting on the next steps of my career!"
Ruby Kayyali | Hikma
"In my role providing marketing support for a pharmaceutical company called Hikma, I developed and executed strategic campaigns to promote Oncolytic Viruses in cancer tumors specifically to do with KRAS. I collaborated with the team to research information on scientific data into accessible and compelling content for various digital and print platforms."
Natalia Narvaez | New Jersey Institute of Technology
"During my time at NJIT, my research focused on creating a sensor for cancer detection based on stiffness. In addition to expanding my knowledge as a researcher, this internship allowed me to explore the awesome city of NYC while making connections."
Ismerai Gonzalez | University of Rochester Medical Center
"During my research, I was able to gain and implement imaging and nanotechnology while developing a drug carrier. I worked along side with doctors and PhD students to collect data and perform experiments for targeted drug delivery in nanomedicine."
My Le | Overland Partners
"During my time interning at Overland Partners, I have got to learn hand-on the professional process of large-scale schematic design and deliverables, as well as navigating client interaction and expanding my network. With sustainability being a growing interest in the field of Architecture, being at Overland has also taught me essential skills such as climate analysis and energy modeling."
Victoria Perez | Marmon Mok
"Marmon Mok has allowed me to see firsthand how a project progresses and exposed me to hands-on practical experiences. I was able to collaborate with professionals in the industry and build lifelong relationships. The skills I've learned at Marmon Mok will ultimately help me become a successful designer."
James Gonzalez | RS&H
"In this internship I was able to create detailed blueprints for different airports. I was also able to experience being directly on the airfield for inspections."
Cesar Segovia Gonzalez | Pape-Dawson Engineers
"During my civil engineering internship, I gained valuable early experience by working on site assessments and collaborating with senior engineers on designing sustainable infrastructure projects. This hands-on exposure allowed me to deepen my understanding of real-world applications and industry standards."
Miguel Rivera | UTSA
"From this experience, I learned how to design and conduct experiments, develop and refine scientific procedures, and analyze complex data. Additionally, I gained valuable skills in creating research posters and presenting findings to both scientific and non-scientific audiences, enhancing my communication and presentation abilities."
Jorge Vanegas | Stanford University Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship
"I had the honor of conducting biopolymer research at the Dauskardt Group Lab at Stanford University. With the help of the SURF program, I was able to tour various industry locations in the Bay Area, present my research at the 2024 Leadership Alliance National Symposium, and network with various scholars around the country."
Andrea Donatti | UTSA
"The research opportunity at the University of Texas at San Antonio has significantly enhanced my scientific skills. I have moved beyond my previous role as a helper to actively lead and manage a segment of the lab's project, allowing me to develop my problem-solving abilities and take full ownership of my work. I took full responsibility for designing and conducting my own experiments, as well as operating various devices to process and analyze our results. This hands-on experience not only contributed significantly to the lab's project but also provided me with valuable insights into the research process. These skills and experiences will undoubtedly benefit my future career as a graduate scientist."
Diego Cabello | Massachusetts Institute of Technology
"Conducting research at MIT has profoundly enhanced my understanding and skills in chemical engineering. Collaborating with influential faculty and researchers has given me valuable insights into how my graduate research aspirations directly apply to the petrochemical industry."
Katie Camacho | NextDecade
"During my internship at NextDecade, I had the opportunity to work on an LNG facility project and present our part of the project to the entire team. It was an incredible experience that allowed me to gain valuable industry knowledge and skills."
Oscar Rangel | Occidental Petroleum
"My summer internship at Occidental was a valuable experience where I learned project management in the oil and gas industry and gained insights from a diverse group of people, all of which helped me grow as an individual."
Jesus Cardenas | Phillips 66
"During my time at Phillips 66, I gained invaluable experience on what working inside a refinery is like. I have been challenged since my first day with engineering problems in real life which lead to me growing my technical skills and understanding of engineering as a whole. I can happily say I’ve grown into a much more knowledgeable engineer and can’t wait to apply my learnings in school and in my future career."
Benjamin Gregory | US Army DEVCOM ARL Adelphi
"We spent 10 weeks working with world class scientists at the Army Research Laboratory. It was a fantastic experience to see how research is done in the field and a great step forward on my plan to become a Doctor of Engineering."
Christoper Mendez | FBD Partnership, LP
"In the department of Research and Development at FBD, I’ve gained a generous amount of designing experience. From identifying problems to designing long lasting solutions, I’ve grown increasingly confident in my ability to problem solve for innovation!"
Christian Colunga | Flatiron
"Being a part of the new Harbor Bridge Project exposed me to segment erection, post tensioning, cable strand installation and much more. I quickly gained an interest for this line of work and look forward to what’s next."
Dalton Field | Sargent & Lundy
"Performed facility design for Government entities such as Sandía National Labs and Los Alamos National Labs. Taking site walkdowns of some of the countries most storied laboratories was really cool."
Austin Dominguez | General Motors
"I was a tooling engineer for GM this summer where I designed robot parts in CAD. I focused on reducing cost of manufacturing through tool life studies."
Julian Arrieta | the Innovation center of NanoMedicine
"Conducting research abroad this summer was an absolutely unforgettable experience. I conducted experiments inside of clean rooms, learned from Japan's leading experts on microfluidics, and aided the search for new cancer diagnosis methods. I was able to explore a new country while gaining skills relevant to my career goals. My internship helped me grow as a scientist, an engineer, and a person."