WHAT IS THE ENGINEERING INTERNSHIP PROGRAM AT
SDSU?
The Engineering Internship Program at San Diego State University is a proven
success with both students and employers. Internships with local companies provide
students with meaningful hands-on engineering work experience, enhance their resumes
and qualifications, and pay them $10 - $20 per hour. In addition to a college
degree, today’s employer is interested in the practical experience students have outside
of the classroom, and the Engineering Internship Program provides just that.
THE ENGINEERING INTERNSHIP PROGRAM
is an inexpensive, low risk method for employers who are looking for motivated, knowledgeable
engineering interns. Companies receive quick access to students through a single
contact person, a student database, and resume file. Students must demonstrate
a need for practical experience and a strong desire to learn more about their chosen
profession.
LAST YEAR, OVER 100 PARTICIPATING
Companies employed more than 170 SDSU engineering interns. The reviews from these
companies were excellent. That is why 50 to 80 percent of student interns are
offered a full-time career opportunity from their intern employer upon graduation.
WHAT KINDS OF STUDENTS ARE ENROLLED IN THE ENGINEERING
INTERNSHIP PROGRAM?
Students selected to participate in this program must be in good academic
standing and must have a declared major within one of SDSU’s six Engineering programs:
Aerospace Engineering, Civil Engineering, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering,
Environmental Engineering, or Mechanical Engineering.
ARE THESE ALL PAID INTERNSHIPS?
Yes, students are compensated between $10 – $20 per hour depending on their
skill level and academic units completed. This allows students to help pay for
their education while learning practical job skills and earning their engineering
degree. Additionally, students who complete this program generally earn more
when they graduate compared to other graduates- usually a $5,000 to $7,000 higher
annual starting salary.
HOW LONG DO STUDENTS WORK?
When classis are in session, employers provide flexible work schedules enabling
interns to work up to 20 hours per week. During winter and summer breaks, full
time employment is generally an option.
WHAT SKILLS DO STUDENTS BRING TO THESE COMPANIES?
SDSU’s College of Engineering provides a hands-on curriculum emphasizing
today’s skill sets, such as AutoCAD, Pro/E, Virtual Reality (VR), 3-D Stereo Lithography/Rapid
Prototyping, Surf-Cam, Vertical Machining Center (VMC) skills, C or C++ Programming,
and/or circuit design ability. Students come prepared and learn even more through
practical on-the-job training.
Application Procedure
1. Review the current listing of internships available
on the Power-Point presentation, located in front of Engineering Student Affairs (E-200).
2. Note the top three job position number(s), that
you are interested in applying.
3. You are limited to apply for three positions
only at one-time. If you do not secure a position, you may re-apply for another
set of three job selections.
4. Send e-mail to Dr. Guentzler at guentzle@mail.sdsu.edu and
indicate the three job numbers you are applying for. Attach your resume in MS
Word format---one page only.
5. Dr. Guentzler will forward your resume electronically
to the company Human Recourses contacts.
6. Please allow three full working days before
requesting company contact names and phone numbers from Dr. Guentzler via his e-mail
address noted above.
You may then contact the companies directly, to schedule
an interview.
Indicate that you are an SDSU Engineering Major, calling
to confirm that they receive your resume.
Ask if it is possible to schedule an interview for the
Engineering Internship they’re firm advertised?
If you are granted an interview, please remember to
dress professionally at the time of your interview, as first impressions do count.
If possible, wear at least one professional organization
pin that may have (i.e., AESC, AES, AIAA, ASCE, ASME, AGC, IEEE, SAE, XE HKN, IITE,
SGT, TBII, NSBE, PASE, SHPE, or SWE).
Please remember that you are representing SDSU Aztec
Engineers at all times. Seventy percent of all practicing engineers in San Diego County
are SDSU College of Engineering graduates. If you don’t secure an internship
on your first try, please be patient and let us help you become successful. Thank
you!