Internships, Co-ops, and Research

Your college experience does not have to be confined to campus or your courses. Through the Mechanical Engineering Department or the Career Center at UMBC, you have the opportunity to step outside the boundaries of the classroom and experience the real world through internships, co-ops, and/or research opportunities.

What is an internship?
As an Intern, you have the opportunity to apply what you’ve learned in the classroom within a professional environment. Internships can be part-time or full-time positions where you work at least 120 hours over the course of the semester (8-10 hours per week). While interning, you will gain valuable experience, have the opportunity to get your position noted on your transcript, and can even get paid!

What is a co-op?
With a Co-op, you will gain more than just experience. While alternating semesters between full-time work and full-time study, you’ll make money, build your network and oftentimes obtain a job offer in advance of graduation.

What is research?
Research opportunities are available both on and off campus. These experiences offer a unique way to better understand your academic interests while possibly discerning how graduate school may play a role in your future.  Click here to find out more about undergraduate research. Many of our students participate in the Undergraduate Research Assistant Program on campus.

Benefits of Participating
• Gain valuable work experience in your major that will make you stand-out from your peers • Strengthen your resume • Develop a professional network • Reflect on your professional strengths and your future career • Earn money

Sample of Organizations Hiring Mechanical Engineering Majors
AAI Corporation

Baltimore Gas & Electric Company (BGE)

Constellation Energy Group

Emerson Power Transmission

Harris Corporation

General Electric (GE)

Lockheed Martin Corporation

National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)

NASA Goddard Space Flight Center

Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR)

Northrop Grumman Corporation

RMF Engineering, Inc.

Siemens Building Technologies, Inc.

Space Telescope Science Institute

US Army Aberdeen Test Center

Whiting-Turner Contracting Company

W. R. Grace & Company

How do I get started?  Click here.