The engineers of tomorrow
The engineers of tomorrow
For many engineering students, the transition from the classroom to the workplace can be difficult to imagine. At Exentec’s Portland facility, however, internships are designed to bridge that gap by giving students meaningful projects, exposure to real-world challenges, and opportunities to work alongside experienced professionals.
Four engineering students, Camille Yutzie, Laura Glenn, Jay Lor, and Gabriel Whiteman, joined the business as interns. Coming from different universities and disciplines, they arrived with varying levels of experience but shared a common goal: understanding what engineering looks like beyond textbooks and lecture halls.
Engineering beyond the classroom
Throughout their internships, the students have worked across research and development, production, testing, and process improvement activities. Their projects have ranged from developing standard operating procedures and supporting product testing to creating design solutions, coding test systems, and improving manufacturing processes.
For Yutzie, who recently completed her freshman year studying chemical engineering, the internship has provided early exposure to the realities of engineering work. In addition to supporting process validation activities, she has contributed to research and development projects and gained experience in coding, product testing, and technical documentation.
Glenn, a chemical engineering student entering her senior year, has been involved in automation and testing projects while learning new skills in computer-aided design, electronics, and product development. She said one of the most rewarding aspects has been seeing how technical concepts learned in the classroom translate into practical solutions on the production floor.
The internship has also given students the opportunity to experience the collaborative nature of engineering. Mechanical engineering student Lor highlighted the close-knit culture within the facility and the chance to see how design, manufacturing, and engineering teams work together to solve problems. Meanwhile, Whiteman, who is entering his senior year, has supported equipment testing, data analysis, and product development projects while gaining experience with engineering software and manufacturing operations.
Building skills for the future
A common theme across all four experiences has been the variety of work available and the willingness of colleagues to share their knowledge. From welding and electronics to automation, fluid systems, testing, and design, the interns have been exposed to a broad range of engineering disciplines while contributing to projects that support the business.
“Internships are one of the most important ways we develop future talent,” said Hannah Morris, HR Business Partner USA (covering Oregon and Massachusetts). “By giving students meaningful responsibilities, access to experienced mentors, and exposure to real business challenges, we help them build confidence and practical skills that will support their careers long after graduation.”
As Exentec continues to invest in early careers programs, the experiences of Yutzie, Glenn, Lor, and Whiteman demonstrate how hands-on learning can accelerate professional growth while providing fresh perspectives that benefit the business. For these future engineers, the internship has offered more than technical experience. It has provided a clearer understanding of their career possibilities and the diverse opportunities available within the engineering profession.
