For years, educators and employers have been fervently promoting the importance of gaining experience through internships and co-ops as part of a well-rounded education. Mechanical engineering senior Robert Hanson has learned first hand from two internships how valuable experiential learning really is. Although each was a diverse experience, both were equally influential to his future.
Hanson completed his first internship at Intromac, a Spanish engineering firm, during his sophomore year while he was studying abroad in Spain. Although he was at an engineering firm, the position focused more on communication, allowing him to utilize his second major, Spanish.
To gain engineering experience, Hanson has spent his summer working at the well-known packaged-foods company ConAgra Foods. The internship has given him a good look at the engineering industry and provided valuable perspective he would not have gained without the internship.
Learn more about Hanson’s internship experience on Innovate.