Careers and Internships
Our manufacturing engineering students have a remarkable record of finding employment, high salary and advancement. Many of our students have secured a job before graduation, often with companies that funded the student's senior design project. Local companies fund many of our senior design projects, often with company engineers on the design team. These real-world projects have real budgets, objectives and deadlines, which provides our students with valuable experience and a competitive edge when finding employment.
St. Cloud State's Career Center is available to help our students access internships and jobs, upload resumes and register for on-campus interviews.
The AfterCollege Job Resource Center is also a source for job opportunities.
Internships
India
Our students have the opportunity to gain an exceptional international experience through the JKLU Internship Exchange Program. This program is hosted by JK Lakshmipat University (JKLU) which was founded by the JK Organization, an umbrella organization that oversees a number of Indian companies and a forerunner in the economic and social advancement of India.
This opportunity is a five-week program that takes our students on a weeklong cultural immersion tour followed by a robust four-week internship at the JK Cement Company. Engage with the Indian culture, broaden your perspectives, and gain a global network of professional contacts during your internship abroad.
Learn about the program through our students' eyes.
South Africa
Our students have the chance to study at Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU) in Port Elizabeth, South Africa. This partnership program offers opportunities for Mechanical Engineering and Manufacturing Engineering students.
NMMU operates within a nature reserve on the coast of the Indian Ocean. Local wildlife are common visitors to the modern campus, which is within walking distance of a beach. Students can gain international experience while taking classes that will count towards their major studies.
Hands-on learning
Paige Ehalt, '15, Mechanical Engineering
"The SCSU/JKLU internship exchange was a once in a lifetime experience. Not only did I apply my mechanical engineering skills with hands-on training in the cement manufacturing field, but I also enhanced my cultural awareness and sensitivity to customs and cultural differences.
The main take-away from the trip was becoming comfortable with being uncomfortable. I learned how to adapt to unanticipated situations and improvise new plans due to periodic changes.
I believe this is a very important quality to employers, especially in many engineering fields. I also believe this internship has been a great help in finding other internships and jobs, as it tends to 'pop out' in a sea of resumes. Overall, I highly recommend the experience to anyone who has the opportunity during their education at SCSU."