Florida Tech Students Share Their Unique, Impactful Internship Experiences
This summer, another round of Florida Tech students took significant strides in their professional journeys by landing internships with leading companies and organizations across various industries. These experiences allow students to apply their knowledge to real-world challenges and set the stage for future career success.
Florida Tech’s emphasis on hands-on learning and industry connections ensures students are well-prepared for the workforce. Hear from a handful of students in a variety of majors who made the most of their summer internships and how these experiences serve as stepping stones to promising careers below.
1. Meet Joshua Tarara
Internship Host: Critical Frequency Design
Major: Mechanical Engineering
“My role is engineering intern, but there is a much deeper pool of work that I complete at the company. For the first couple weeks, I focused on mechanical designs, such as fixtures and tooling for active government and defense systems. As summer progresses, I have shifted from doing solely engineering work to diving into the world of business development and a little bit of program management. I got this internship through the Career Fair within my first month on campus. To prepare, I met with Career Services to fine-tune my résumé for a couple companies, then made a list of companies I would pursue. After chatting with all the companies, Critical Frequency Design really stood out to me after talking with all their employees at the event. After following up for a couple months and two rounds of interviews and a résumé screening, I was sent an offer. I intend to continue to work as a mechanical engineer and eventually transition into program management and eventually business development and program acquisition in the defense industry. Though, there is always a chance I might venture into startups to gain an early career in business and management experience. The engineering program at Florida Tech sets students up for success, especially through programs like student design showcase. My advice to Florida Tech students seeking internships is to put in the effort. Follow up with recruiters after you submit your résumé, show up in as professional attire as you can get and be yourself. Take any opportunity you can get. Coming into Florida Tech, I had 2.5 years of internship experience and it was solely from reaching out and networking. The people and professors you interact with all have their own network, which you can benefit from; the people you know are equivalent to the job opportunities you have.”
2. Meet Veronica Montero-Sanchez
Internship Host: HNTB Corp.
Major: Civil Engineering with a minor in Business Administration
“My internship is with HNTB Corporation, working for FDOT on the ‘Moving I-4 Forward’ program. We are working to add new express lanes, overpasses and bridges to I-4 to improve the quality of life for civilians by freeing up traffic, minimizing accidents and cutting down travel time. There are 7 phases of the internship where I work under a director from each branch of civil engineering, including construction, drainage, environmental, geotech, structures, utilities and roadway. Florida Tech helped prepare me for this internship by providing me with the knowledge to comprehend the physics behind civil engineering. Florida Tech also provided me with many leadership opportunities. I am the secretary of the American Society of Civil Engineers student chapter and there, I learned a lot of useful information outside of the classroom for real-world application, like surveying for elevations, compressive strength and slump testing on concrete. I am also the program director for Panther Radio, which helped set me apart as responsible, capable and dependable. Having the ability to manage a club and school is not an easy task, and it does not go unnoticed by any means in the industry. Without the help of my professors, like Dr. Cosentino and Dr. Wang, or clubs, I would be very behind in my field. Advice I have for other Florida Tech students seeking an internship is to go to the Career Fairs. Although I found mine independently of the college, I was able to get a few interviews and offers through the fairs. Florida Tech being a tight-knit environment gives you the opportunity to make connections more easily. To be able to see your professors around campus and ask them questions is extremely beneficial. All the professors at this campus want you to succeed.”
3. Meet Russell Smith ’25
Internship Host: Idaho National Laboratory
Major: Chemical Engineering
“As an R&D chemical engineering intern, I am writing review papers and participating in experimental and computer-based projects all related to enabling the usage of biomass for making clean, renewable energy on an industrial scale. I am also competing in the internship oral/poster competition between 400–600 college summer interns from across the world. Dr. Reza helped me get this internship. All four years of my undergraduate degree, I’ve worked as his lab assistant and have loved every minute, learning and developing professional skills. He let me assist his graduate students and learn from them, and from Dr. Reza himself. He taught me how to become a better researcher and how to work in teams. Career Services helped develop my résumé-writing and interview skills. In my freshman year, they helped me land my first internship. After my Ph.D., I plan to work in a National Laboratory again. My time in college taught me so much. Through literature and sci-tech classes, I developed technical writing and communication skills. I also found through internships that a lot of STEM classes at Florida Tech are more difficult than some schools, which gave me a significant edge on my work ethic, adaptive learning mindset and problem-solving. For my first couple internships, I had to apply to 800-plus jobs to get an interview. So, play the numbers game and mass apply. Once you get the interview, find a friend or family member (someone who will tell you if you are bad and how to fix it) and practice nonstop. The chemical engineering department at Florida Tech helped me and all my colleagues achieve success. The program continuously develops students’ growth in the classroom and lab. Since the department is small, it is easy for students to develop close, lifelong relationships with professors.”
4. Meet Victoria Fotia
Internship Host: NASA’s Kennedy Space Center
Major: Chemical Engineering
“I assist with recycling measures, such as the treatment of gases and water with the use of plasma. Specifically, I utilize plasma activated water for nitrate production and explore technology for the safe disposal of propellant. I started working in Dr. Reza’s research lab at in the spring of 2025. With his help, I was able to apply for several internships, receiving two offers for the summer! I would suggest to any student looking for internships to get involved! The best way to explore your options is to get hands-on with your education. Don’t be shy when approaching professors or advisors about research opportunities or guidance for applying for internships. I would also suggest booking résumé-review appointments with Career Services to help highlight your skills and experience adequately. The experience obtained from both the classroom and the research lab helped my résumé stand out to interviewers. Having mentors who are involved and passionate about their students’ achievement promoted my success in searching for and attaining a highly sought-after internship. Of the 36,000 people who applied, I was one of 1,100 applicants who were accepted, and one of the 52 interns at Kennedy Space Center. I am grateful for the support and guidance I received from faculty, staff, friends and classmates. I am firm in my decision to attend such an esteemed university.”
5. Meet McKaylyn Merritt
Internship Host: Florida Wildlife Hospital
Major: Marine Biology
“This internship has not only broadened my practical skills but also provided me with a comprehensive understanding of the delicate balance required to keep wildlife wild, fostering my passion for conservation and wildlife rehabilitation. I have gained hands-on experience in identifying native species, setting up age and species-appropriate environments, preparing and feeding nutritious diets, and learning proper animal-handling techniques. The opportunities I have been granted through Florida Tech developed my strong foundation in animal behavior and welfare knowledge. Working in the Animal Cognitive Research Center at Brevard Zoo with Dr. Talbot and Dr. Proctor studying the behaviors and well-being of Geoffroy’s black-handed spider monkeys and my independent research project studying African lions’ habitat use helped me stand out as a candidate. For students seeking internships, starting the search early was pivotal. I learned the hard way in previous years that starting the process too late into the semester made it quite difficult to complete as course loads increased. I made a master document listing each organization with all the submission requirements and due dates in chronological order. My time at Florida Tech has deepened my understanding of the complex needs within the wildlife and conservation field. After graduation, I plan to use that knowledge to shape change, advocate for animal welfare and contribute to the future of wildlife conservation. Florida Tech has fueled a fire within me to pursue a career where I not only care for animals but also influence meaningful change in wildlife health care and conservation, ensuring their well-being for generations to come. I believe the ocean engineering and marine sciences and psychology departments work together beautifully in fostering a space for students with interests like mine. I am grateful for the psychology department’s openness in allowing nonpsych majors to work alongside them and offer an alternative perspective toward their research.”
6. Meet Lindsey Reilly
Internship Host: General Dynamics Electric Boat
Major: Aerospace Engineering with a minor in Music
“This is my second summer interning at General Dynamics Electric Boat. As a member of the Test Team, I contribute to the testing and validation of various software systems integral to submarine operations. My responsibilities include conducting hands-on testing in a lab, as well as troubleshooting and analyzing procedures and requirements in an office. Prior to Florida Tech’s semesterly Career fair, I worked with Career Services to refine and professionalize my résumé. During the event, I had the opportunity to network with a representative from General Dynamics Electric Boat. This led to an internship offer and the individual became my current supervisor! After graduation, I intend to pursue a full-time position either within the aerospace industry on the Space Coast or with General Dynamics Electric Boat. I am particularly interested in pursuing a career focused on test engineering or the design and development of rocket components. My advice for students seeking internships is to prioritize building connections, whether through professors, alumni or networking events. Florida Tech offers classes that provide foundational skills essential for a successful engineering career. Specifically, the aerospace engineering professors care deeply about the academic growth and professional development of their students. Through these classes, I developed skills, such as troubleshooting and data analysis, that I was able to implement during my internship experience.”
7. Meet Parth Ganeriwala
Internship Host: Avidyne
Major: Computer Science
“I am working on developing and testing system-level test cases for avionics software using simulation environments. I’m also contributing to the development of Avidyne’s Quantum Open Avionics Platform for next-generation aircraft systems. In preparation for this internship, Florida Tech supported me through strong faculty mentorship, research experience and its network of industry partnerships. My prior work in the ASSIST Research Lab, along with hands-on experience in embedded systems, formal methods and machine learning, helped distinguish me as a well-prepared candidate for avionics software development. Florida Tech has given me a strong foundation in research, systems engineering and AI—especially through interdisciplinary collaborations with industry leaders like NASA and Raytheon. The computer science program emphasizes both theoretical rigor and real-world application. My advice for students is to be proactive—start building a portfolio early, take part in research projects and leverage faculty guidance. Attend career fairs and conferences to build your network, use LinkedIn and other apps, but also don’t underestimate the value of directly reaching out to companies and alumni.”
