James Clemens engineering students gain prized experience with internships

MADISON – James Clemens High School offers a premier Senior Engineering Internship Program for top students in the Engineering Academy.

Years ago, administrators added engineering classes to Bob Jones High School’s curriculum — before James Clemens opened. Interest grew for students to leave the classroom and apply their skills in the ‘real world,’ Brittny Watson said. She teaches in engineering academies at both high schools.

“Engineering teachers at Bob Jones partnered with local engineering companies to make (internships) a reality,” Watson said. “When James Clemens opened, we ensured the same opportunities would be available.”

This semester’s interns from James Clemens are Micah Holley at KTech; Ted Olilver with Additive Manufacturing Engineering or AME; and Tirth Patel and Jaden Whiting at IDEX Corporation.

Internships involve “a selective, career-focused initiative that pairs exceptional seniors with local companies. They spend approximately 15 hours each week contributing to real engineering projects,” Watson said.

Throughout the 12-week internship, students are immersed in authentic workplace environments — applying their technical skills, developing professional habits and gaining invaluable insight into the engineering industry. “In return, host companies benefit from interns’ curiosity, problem-solving talent and fresh perspectives,” Watson said.

When the semester ends, interns deliver presentations at James Clemens highlighting lessons learned.

“This capstone event celebrates students’ achievements while showcasing strong partnerships between James Clemens and the local engineering community,” Watson said.

To qualify, students must have completed prerequisite classes and submitted a detailed application, letter of interest and two recommendation letters. The internship teacher approves applications.

To place students, Watson matches the company’s expectations with a student’s career goals. “I’m always on the hunt for local companies interested in hosting an intern,” she said.

The first four weeks focus on professionalism — resumes, interviews, portfolios, LinkedIn. Watson discusses networking and reputations for students and the school. She connects students with College and Career Coach Michelle Hyams who helps make valuable contacts.

An intern first shadows the mentor, who assigns a task for independent work. One intern with a team of peers at KTech built a video game with virtual reality, Watson said. Another intern built an induction heater from scratch.

An internship’s value materializes when the student solidifies a career path. “They leave with confidence about choosing the right major and long-term career,” Watson said. Conversely, an intern may realize the field isn’t a match and thus avoid investing time and money in college.

“Whether confirming a student’s ambitions or refining their goals, the experience empowers students to make informed decisions about their future,” Watson said.

Job experience is often extremely difficult, even for a recent college graduate. “Real- world experience before getting your high school diploma shows potential employers you’re serious,” Watson said.

“Watching students step into the ‘real world’ as young engineers is incredibly rewarding,” Watson said. “Teachers are encouraged to ‘begin with the end in mind.’ Witnessing that ‘end’ — the transition from student to emerging professional — helps me more effectively prepare for the next cohort of engineers.”