Hometown connection: Clay Center, Dodge City, Galesburg, Goddard, Goff, Haviland, Lawrence, Liberal, Madison, Newton, Shawnee and Wichita.
Website: http://www.amisuccess.com
News release prepared by: Amanda Weisharr, 785-532-7044
Friday, Jan. 27, 2012
Top-Notch experience: Students say internships at advanced manufacturing institute give edge in job market
MANHATTAN -- Kansas State University students are getting the chance to gain professional experience and an edge when they enter the work force by serving as interns with the university's Advanced Manufacturing Institute, or AMI.
Through the institute's intern program, students work with skilled professionals and gain hands-on experience with real client projects -- experiences that can enhance their career prospects.
Spencer Kaufman, senior in mechanical engineering, Dodge City, says the institute's intern program is preparing him to make an immediate impact when he enters the professional field.
"I've held internships every summer with different companies, and my experience at AMI ranks high on my list. When working with the engineers, they don't just use you for busy work; they have you help them find solutions for actual client projects. The AMI intern program is top-notch."
Brian Busenitz, a December 2011 bachelor's recipient in mechanical engineering, Newton, took advantage of the institute's internship opportunities and landed a job prior to graduating. He's now working for AGCO Corp. in Hesston, Kan.
"My experience at AMI broadened my knowledge base so that I was able to acquire the position I wanted at AGCO," Busenitz said. "AMI's intern program is first-rate. It's hard to find an internship experience where you work on real projects for clients while working alongside professional engineers who are more than willing to give you guidance. My favorite times at AMI were when I got to see some of the designs I was involved with manufactured."
Thirteen students are participating in the Advanced Manufacturing Institute's internship program for the spring 2012 semester. In addition to Kaufman, they include:
Michael Patenaude, junior in mechanical engineering, Clay Center; Kyle Coover, senior in mechanical engineering, Galesburg; Andrew Woolley, junior in chemical engineering, Goddard; Douglas Niehues, junior in biological systems engineering, Goff; Joseph Rush, master's student in business administration, Haviland; Amanda Weishaar, senior in mass communications, Lawrence; Kasey Krueger, senior in management and marketing, Liberal; Jacob Picolet, senior in mechanical engineering, Madison; Michael Michalski, senior in mechanical engineering, Shawnee; and Benjamin Robinson, master's student in business administration, Gabe Ryan, junior in management, economics and entrepreneurship, and Alexandra Ternes, senior in chemical engineering and biochemistry, all from Wichita.
The Advanced Manufacturing Institute is a part of the K-State College of Engineering, a Kansas Department of Commerce Center of Excellence and an Economic Development Administration University Center that provides engineering and business services. More information about the institute is available online at http://www.amisuccess.com.
