Employers can 'TAP' into Purdue summer intern pool

Lorien Knapp

Employers can initiate the summer intern recruiting process by registering on the program's Web site. After registering, employers will receive resumes from qualified students. Purdue staff will assist in scheduling students for interviews through Friday, April 28.

Interns will be available for work at the conclusion of the spring semester on Monday, May 8, and can work through Friday, Aug. 18. Students and employers negotiate salaries.

Since the pool of available students shrinks as the semester progresses, Technical Assistance Program director David McKinnis recommends employers contact his staff as soon as possible.

"We can help Indiana companies find well-qualified, short-term staff without spending excessive time in the recruiting and hiring process," McKinnis said. "The sooner employers begin interviewing, the better the chance they will find the best candidate for each position. Many employers also have found future employees through our summer intern program."

Because of their diverse areas of expertise, students can help in areas such as product development, computer-aided design, Web site development, plant layout, software selection, construction inspection and surveying, computer programming and production process improvement.

"Interns provide assistance on short-term projects that might otherwise not be completed, McKinnis said. "They also can provide new insights into company processes that can result in significant improvements."

Last summer, Lorien Knapp, a mechanical engineering technology graduate from Anderson, Ind., served an internship with Biddle Precision Components in Sheridan, Ind. At first, the manufacturer of precision turned components and hydraulic valve spools saw Knapp as a temporary team member. Managers said they soon realized her long-term potential and offered her a full-time, permanent position.

"She had great project management skills," said lean manufacturing engineering manager Deborah Applegate. "I was impressed with Knapp's performance in the quality department."

The esteem was mutual. When Knapp was offered a position with General Electric, she turned it down to remain with Biddle Precision Components.

"I admired the people that I worked with," Knapp said. "I thought I would have an opportunity to make a difference."

Applegate, a Purdue alumna who has hired three College of Technology graduates, said she is pleased with the interns that TAP has provided.

"They truly have application skills," Applegate said "We would definitely sign up to do a project with TAP again."

Since 1988, more than 900 undergraduate and graduate engineering, technology and management students have worked for approximately 500 Hoosier employers through the summer intern program. The program also provides access to Purdue's faculty expertise for both students and employers.

In addition to providing interns, the Technical Assistance Program provides Indiana businesses with year-round technical assistance and information. For 20 years, TAP has enabled more than 4,000 Indiana businesses, industries and government organizations to implement new and advanced technologies to boost the state's economy.

Writer: Marydell Forbes, (765) 496-7704, mforbes@purdue.edu

Sources: David McKinnis, (765) 494-6258, mckinnis@purdue.edu

Deborah Applegate, (317) 758-4451, ext. 118, dapplegate@bpinc.biz

Lorien Knapp, (317) 758-4451 Ext: 153, lak@bpinc.biz

Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; purduenews@purdue.edu

A publication-quality photo is available at https://www.purdue.edu/uns/images/+2006/knapp-tap06.jpg

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