The Value of Experience

Solid internship experience is the perfect complement to a hands-on Florida Tech education. Getting major-related work experience can be a great way to apply what you have learned in the classroom and to clarify your career goals. Some internships offer class credit, some offer pay, but all provide the kind of real-world work experience that future employers are looking for.

“My goal is to one day be able to help send people back to the moon and onto Mars with software that I've worked on! My time at Florida Tech has definitely helped prepare me for this goal because of how guided our programs are to the space industry, as well as of the networking opportunities provided. Going to our school essentially gives you a pipeline into that workforce.”

—Ava Crocker, software engineering, software engineering intern at L3Harris Technologies, Inc.

"Florida Tech and the aerospace engineering program specifically offer a unique blend of hands-on experiences and theoretical knowledge. The university's emphasis on practical learning, combined with small class sizes, allows students to engage closely with professors and industry experts. This creates a supportive and collaborative environment that fosters students' success in their academic and professional pursuits."

-Dylano Manohar, aerospace engineering, integration & test engineering intern at L3Harris Technologies, Inc. 

To employers, internship involvement means experience, ambition and adaptability, so it’s no surprise that it is one of the most sought-after qualifications they look for in job candidates. If your ultimate post-graduation goal is to get hired, you want an internship. And if you want an internship, Florida Tech is the place to be.

An Opportunity-Rich Location

Florida Tech is located on the Space Coast in Brevard County, one of the most concentrated high-tech workforces in the United States, which means that by proximity alone, we have the advantage. Our students intern at companies near and far, such as:

American Airlines
Amazon
Blue Origin
Boeing Co.
Collins Aerospace
Embraer
Google
L3Harris Technologies Inc.
Leonardo DRS
Lockheed Martin
NASA
Northrop Grumman Corp.
Seaworld
SpaceX
Walt Disney World

What’s it like to intern in the space industry? Read about three students’ experiences interning at NASA, Blue Origin and Boeing Co.!

Earn Credit, Get Paid or Both

Earn academic credit for participating in a hands-on internship that provides valuable career experience? Sign us up! Many programs of study give students the option of enrolling in an internship course so they can earn elective credit while gaining workplace experience. In cases where the academic department does not offer academic internship credit, students may receive academic credit for their internship experience through Florida Tech's co-op program. A bonus of the co-op program? Students receive fair compensation for the work they do.

Looking for more information about how to get an internship or start a co-op? Visit Career Services' Gain Experience page to learn more.

“A lot of post grad students find it hard to get their career started because they do not have enough experience in their field. Having an internship helps you gain the experience needed for post-graduate jobs. I received my internship through the Personal and Professional Development class, which matches you up with an internship with the help from the career services department. The program here, at Florida Tech, uniquely sets up students for success because they make an internship a requirement to graduate”

—Lilliana Vitale, forensic psychology, forensic multidisciplinary team intern at Circles of Care

Expert Support from Career Services

Florida Tech’s Office of Career Services helps students find and prepare for internships and job opportunities across all industries. In fact, in the 2021-2022 school year, students reported having completed more than 370 internships to Career Services.

They offer valuable resources, such as career fairs, résumé workshops, mock interviews and more, that help students get their foot in the door and point them in the right direction once they step through.

“Before starting my internship at NASA, I was working in the Florida Tech career services office. While working for the office, I gained knowledge about different internships and jobs that are available to Florida Tech students. The staff in the career services office are amazing. They helped and encouraged me through the entire process of applying and interviewing for internships and jobs. They proofread my résumé and provided feedback on how to make improvements. The career advisors conducted several mock interviews to prepare me for my NASA interview. I genuinely believe that without their guidance, I would not be where I am today."

—Dominique Owens, business administration, Pathways intern in the Chief Financial Office at NASA (KSC)

“Florida Tech's Career Services helped me tremendously during the résumé-building process, a crucial part in preparing for their career fairs. I met with Dona Gaynor, the director of career services, a few times to discuss my in-class experience and develop a strong understanding of what makes an effective résumé."

—Alyssa Campos, electrical engineering, electrical engineering intern at Anderson Connectivity

Internship Advice From Panthers

“Network as much as possible and always take the time to learn about the experiences of others within your discipline. Even if their role is not what you are looking for, they may have connections, which can lead to mentoring or an internship."

—Alexis Linder, mechanical engineering, research and development of artificial intelligence intern at Lockheed Martin Space

“My advice to fellow students seeking internship opportunities is apply for every internship you think you may qualify for. Even if the position does not exactly match your major or you do not have the perfect qualifications, take the chance.”

—Kendall Gavin, business and environmental science, operations intern at Extant Aerospace

“For Florida Tech students seeking internship opportunities, I recommend that you apply (and keep applying) for any internships that interest you. Additionally, get involved in research to make your resume stand out.”

—Matthew Ninesling, ocean engineering, coastal engineering intern at Jacobs

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Internship Stories

Learn about some of the amazing things Florida Tech students are doing and learning during their internship experiences: