Ferris State University students gain valuable work experience through internships. Internships also can confirm or redirect career decision-making, provide marketability, develop people skills and enhance classroom learning. Many academic programs require one, but the experience is encouraged regardless to provide students with a better understanding of what will be expected of them in the workplace.
Many students are participating in internships this summer. Meet:
Nicholas Berchert
He is: a junior from Midland in the Welding Engineering Technology program in the College of Engineering Technology.
His Internship/Making A Difference: Nicholas is a Welding Engineering intern with Merrill Technologies, Inc.’s facility in Alma. “I am learning how to conduct procedure qualification tests to qualify different weldments to a specific job. I am also learning how to develop a robotic procedure to weld high-quality aluminum parts at a higher production rate, saving time and money in the overall job span. I am making a difference by aiding in the development and qualification of procedures for jobs in the shop, as well as aiding in any problems concerning the welding engineering department.”
Was Ferris Involved in Securing Your Internship? “I did learn of the opportunity through the fall career fair. My education at Ferris prepared me for the internship that I conducted over the summer.”
Advice for Students Considering Internships: “Make connections. Internships are an extremely valuable thing, and while some may pay and some do not, the knowledge gained is the most important thing that a college student may ever encounter. I have learned more in the past three months about engineering and welding than I have ever known in my life. If a student wants to look into an internship, all they need to do is go to the job fairs and walk around, talking to employers. The worst a company can do is say ‘No.’”
Other Campus Involvements: “I am a member of the American Welding Society, and I am the president of the Club Swim Team.”
Ferris Core Value Nicholas Relates to: “Excellence. In my field, there is very little room for error. We are held to such
a high level of perfection that it has become second nature to refine and perfect
every detail of a task.”
MEET THE INTERNS HOMEPAGE