Full throttle: Students intern at Rolls-Royce in the United Kingdom
Three undergraduates in aerospace and electrical engineering spent their summer working across the pond, thanks to the Rolls-Royce International Internship Program.
Spending the summer researching next-generation power systems for aerospace, energy, and marine applications is a dream opportunity for any engineering student.
Even more rewarding? When that internship takes place in the United Kingdom with a company recognized as an international leader in aeroengine technology.
Students Samantha “Sam” Bower, Alec Crispino, and Katherine Lemke did just that, working for global engine supplier Rolls-Royce at its site in Derby, a 90-minute train ride north of London. Home to the world’s largest indoor aerospace test bed, Derby is where aerospace engineers design, assemble, and test Trent jet engines as well as develop software and control systems for civilian and military aircraft engines.
This unique international education opportunity is made possible through the Rolls-Royce International Internship Program, a partnership between Rolls-Royce, the Commonwealth of Virginia, Virginia Tech, and the University of Virginia.
Engineering in an international environment
Since 2011, 33 Virginia Tech undergraduate engineering students have benefited from the international internship program, which includes a 12-week, paid internship overseas from May to August. Participants receive a competitive salary, international travel and relocation costs, and mentorship and assessment for future Rolls-Royce opportunities.
In fact, eight Virginia Tech students have received offers to participate in Rolls-Royce’s graduate development program.
“The program is truly a unique experience that allows the students to work on teams that also have a global remit,” said Mee Hee Smith, North America and Canada emerging talent delivery manager for Rolls-Royce. “We pride ourselves on creating a great experience to learn and develop skills. This program is also a great pipeline for our full-time roles in our two-year graduate development program or a direct role on a team post-graduation. We are grateful for this continued partnership and the value the students bring each summer, making a direct impact to our business.”
Open to students in all engineering majors, the Rolls-Royce International Internship Program offers students the opportunity to develop skills and gain practical experience while being immersed in the hands-on environment of a global company abroad.
“The Rolls-Royce International Internship is a one-of-a-kind opportunity for our engineering students,” said Nicole Sanderlin, director of global engagement for the College of Engineering and coordinator of the program. “Not only do they get a paid summer internship with a world-class company, but they also gain valuable international experience — something highly sought after by today’s global employers. This opportunity truly sets students apart and accelerates their career growth.”
Summer interns across the pond
The students participating in this summer's program were assigned placements on controls systems software, power electronics, and future programs and demonstrators teams.
Sam Bower
- Hometowns: Wilson, North Carolina and Roanoke, Virginia
- Class year: Senior
- Major: Electrical engineering with focus in micro/nano systems.
Bower worked as part of the controls systems software team, which is responsible for agile development and deployment of high-integrity, safety-critical engine control system software, using a new model-based software design methodology developed by Rolls-Royce.
Alec Crispino
- Hometown: Westfield, New Jersey
- Class year: Senior
- Major: Electrical engineering
Crispino worked with the power electronics team that’s responsible for agile development and deployment of high-integrity electrical drive hardware and capability used to deliver both new technology and customer solutions.
Katherine Lemke
- Hometown: Geneva, Illinois
- Class year: Senior
- Major: Aerospace engineering
Lemke joined the control systems engineering future programs and demonstrators team, which is responsible for specifying, supplying, and integrating control systems for demonstrator aero engine vehicles in the civilian market segment.
