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 myriad internships this summer. Meet:
Caleb Giovanucci
He is: from Alto, in the Manufacturing Engineering Technology program. Caleb is an intern at the company where he works, Tekton, Incorporated, a Grand Rapids tool manufacturer. He is in a manufacturing internship.
His Role/Making a Difference: "I have learned that communication is key and that communication is not defined as what you say, but what others hear. I have learned a lot about how to quote a job and fill out costing sheets. My CAD work has improved drastically since I entered the internship. I have also learned how to think outside the box when finding solutions to problems encountered daily.
My supervisor was the only employee working on process improvements at the manufacturing engineer scale and could not keep up with all the projects. I have taken much of the load from him, allowing him to focus more on the large projects requiring his attention. Halfway through the first week that I started my internship, my supervisor became sick and was out for a week and a half. I was able to jump right in and make progress on the ongoing projects as well as begin and complete some new projects of my own."
Future Plans: "Once the internship is done, I hope to transition into an official position here at Tekton, doing essentially what I am doing under the title of intern, which is improving the processes and designs that are implemented on the floor every day. I would collaborate with my supervisor on major projects like designing and manufacturing process improvements, challenging convention at every turn. Eventually, when I complete my degree, I would like to work in the electrical controls industry, most likely in Grand Rapids."
Advice For Other Students Seeking Internships: "Look for an internship that will push you out of your comfort zone and help you put into practice what you have learned. There is no better way to act on that learning than by living it out. Work hard and be impressive."
Other Activities: "Working full time and taking night classes does not allow for much involvement in organizations. I do play the Accordion and for two years, I played the Theater Organ for the Children's reading program at the Grand Rapids Public Museum. I love to woodwork and am glad that I have access to a workshop at Tekton, which I can use after hours."
University Core Value Caleb Relates to: Excellence. "That is a word that I want used to describe my work and my reputation
as an individual. Ever since I was little, I learned that my reputation impacts my
family, just as much as it reflects on my life. I want people to think well of my
family because of my reputation for excellence, just as I want people to think well
because of my family. I know that my future will be better because of my reputation
being tied in with a Ferris State University education."
MEET THE INTERNS HOMEPAGE