Purdue News

January 29, 1999 Technical Assistance Program interns available WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. -- Indiana employers interested in finding Purdue students with technical and managerial skills for summer internships should contact the university's Technical Assistance Program as soon as possible. Randy Hountz, the TAP intern coordinator, said companies that notify him of their interest before March 15 will have the best success with the program. He can be reached at (765) 494-7845. Potential employers also can request summer interns at the TAP Web site. Since 1988, more than 450 undergraduate and graduate students from the Schools of Engineering, Technology and Management have worked for 273 Hoosier employers through the TAP Summer Intern Program. Salaries are negotiated by the students and employers. "Our program helps Indiana industries and municipalities find well-qualified interns without spending excessive time in the recruiting and hiring process," Hountz said. "Because of their diverse backgrounds, TAP interns can fulfill almost any need." In the past, Purdue students have worked in such areas as production process improvement, plant layout, product development, computer-aided design, construction inspection and surveying, Web site development, and computer technology. In addition, the intern program gives both students and companies access to Purdue's faculty expertise. "Interns not only provide additional help during the summer, but many times can provide new insights into company processes which can result in significant improvements," Hountz said. "Furthermore, many employers utilize the summer intern program to find prospective full-time employees." The recruiting opportunity is one of the most attractive benefits of the program, according to Joe Retzner, vice president of engineering for American Precast Concrete Inc. of Indianapolis. "Any employer will tell you that he or she would rather hire a 'known product,' and these internships certainly give us a good look at what these students can do," Retzner said. "We've had TAP summer interns helping us out with quality control and drawing and design work for the last three summers. They're very knowledgeable in the areas of civil and structural engineering and can contribute immediately, which is very important when you're looking at a three-month assignment." Purdue's Technical Assistance Program has been providing university resources and expertise to Indiana companies for 13 years. More than 3,000 businesses, industries and government organizations have asked TAP to assist with the implementation of new and advanced technologies. Source: Randy Hountz, (765) 494-7845; e-mail, intern@ecn.purdue.edu Writer: Sharon Bowker, (765) 494-2077; e-mail, sharon_bowker@purdue.edu Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; e-mail, purduenews@purdue.edu To the Purdue News and Photos Page