Interns play a vital role at Universal Technical Resource Services, Inc. (UTRS), especially since we’ve entrusted them with increased responsibilities in recent years. As a result, they’re able to gain more professional experience than ever.
For National Intern Day on July 30, UTRS is encouraging all students to pursue internships by sharing insight from our current interns, many of whom are working alongside UTRS personnel on projects at the U.S Army’s Picatinny Arsenal.
Insights from Current UTRS Interns
Louis learned how to operate multiple types of 3D printers during his internship at UTRS, including Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) and Powder Bed Fusion (PBF) machines. As he took on more complex tasks, Louis learned how different materials and printing processes impact a final product.
“Working alongside experienced engineers showed me how important it is to think through problems carefully instead of rushing to a solution,” said Louis, who will attend the New Jersey Institute of Technology to study Mechanical Engineering.
Cassidy’s interest in engineering grew from wanting a deeper understanding of how things work. No matter what something was initially designed for, she always tries to understand the underlying principles and find other applications. Working alongside experienced engineers at UTRS allowed her to see how they approached problems.
With a father who was an auto mechanic, Niklas spent his entire life in a shop setting and was geared toward an engineering career. At UTRS, he learned how to operate and maintain a CNC machine as well as how to post-process parts and inspect the tolerances of the parts using go/no-go gauges, micrometers, and calipers.
Niklas, who is studying Mechanical Engineering at Rutgers Camden, found the conversations with experienced mechanical engineers at UTRS helped him see how new career pathways are possible.
Matthew, who will attend the County College of Morris to study Emergency Services, gravitated toward engineering after working for four years in his high school’s metal shop. He applied for the UTRS internship for the chance to combine creativity, technical knowledge, and hands-on work.
“Everyone was welcoming and willing to help, which made it easy to learn unique skills and ask different questions,” Matthew said.
Tips for Future Interns
UTRS interns have some good advice for those preparing for an internship.
“Listen to everything you’re being told but ask questions to really learn about what you’re doing,” said Frank, who will attend Centenary University to pursue a degree in Criminal Justice. “The staff are always more than willing to teach you and answer your questions.”
Simon, who attends Sparta High School, said his UTRS internship helped him feel less worried about making mistakes and more confident to ask questions and take on new challenges. He suggests asking questions and taking notes. “It helps to review at the end of the day and carry that new knowledge into the next working day.”
And a final word of practical advice: if you plan on working on the shop floor, invest in a good pair of steel-toe boots and find the best insoles for your feet. “You are on your feet for most of the day,” Niklas said. “Do not cheap out on boots; they are the most important safety and comfort item in the shop.”