What types of internship opportunities are available?
Why are internships important to the program?
What labs do students use in their courses?
Do students and faculty work together on research projects?
Do students have access to professional affiliations and conferences?

What types of internship opportunities are available?
Nearly 70% of students in the engineering technology program are involved in practical learning experiences on- and off-campus through internships, research projects, and other hands-on activities.

Part-time jobs and internships with engineering, electronics, manufacturing, and construction companies are available and provide excellent opportunities for our students to gain valuable field experience. Companies with international recognition, such as Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc., Altec Industries, Inc., Wire Rope Corp. of America, etc. offer beneficial internship programs to our students.

Why are internships important to the program?
Experience in the field is beneficial to each student’s education. Internships provide students with a valuable hands-on experience that is difficult to duplicate in the classroom. Students are encouraged to take advantage of opportunities to participate in internships and practicums offered by local and regional industries.

What labs do students use in their courses?
Western has state-of-the-art testing and troubleshooting equipment in all engineering technology programs. With access to this equipment, students receive excellent hands-on laboratory experiences.

Do students and faculty work together on research projects?
Yes! Students are encouraged to work one-on-one with faculty members in their research. Work on independent and team research projects prove valuable for preparing our students for their careers. Last year, one of our students worked on a “High Performance Concrete” research paper for presentation at the Missouri Academy of Science Engineering Section.

Do students have access to professional affiliations and conferences?
Yes! Students have the opportunity to enhance their education by attending professional conferences, including the American Society of Civil Engineers, Concrete Reinforcing Steel Institute, the American Concrete Institute, Society of Manufacturing Engineers, Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Instrumentation Systems and Automation Society. Several of our students have received national recognition from external technical societies through undergraduate awards and have been selected to make presentations at state and national conferences.