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:
Jared Breuker
He is: a junior in the Manufacturing Engineering Technology program from Holland; his internship is with his employer, the Gentex Corporation.
About Jared’s Internship: “I have the unique opportunity to do my internship concurrently with my job at Gentex. So far, it has been valuable to reflect on experiences in the topics we cover in our weekly reports. It is also challenging me to pursue different topics that we could use to improve the department I work in.”
How Ferris was Involved in the Internship: “Ferris and Gentex have a positive partnership, particularly in the Manufacturing Engineering Technology program. Many employees at Gentex have gone through the program, so getting the opportunity to do the internship was encouraged.”
Future Plans: “I would love to continue the path of leadership. As a group leader at Gentex, I have a dynamic job that requires both leadership and technical proficiency. I think the internship will help challenge me to grow at a technical level with the tools learned throughout the program.”
Advice For Students Seeking Internships: “Find a place where you can have a variety of experiences. Your major will define how you get into a company, but you may find an interest in different engineering disciplines.”
Ferris Core Value Jared Relates to: Opportunity. “I feel like I have an obligation to capitalize on the opportunities given to me at Gentex. With hard work and dedication, seizing opportunities can lead to a fulfilling life.”