A Summer Engineering Internship Program Offered at a Liberal Arts University

Note: We intend to prepare a presentation only (no full paper). Abstract (250 words): Engineering programs that are in traditionally liberal art schools have to overcome unique challenges to bolster their curriculum and be competitive in the world of higher education. Before the launch of a BS-Engineering program at Biola University, there was no engineering design or project based curriculum in the previously existing majors. Therefore, engineering faculty decided to offer a Summer Engineering Internship (SEI) program to give lower-division students a more hands-on engineering internship-like experience that would be enriching and relevant for students' future careers. During SEI, students get to practice the whole engineering design process from client interviews, design, prototyping, and presenting their final product to a variety of audiences. Students get trained in hard skills like Arduino programming, Fusion360, and 3D printing, as well as soft skills like writing resumes, giving presentations, SCRUM, etc. After three years of offering SEI, we conducted an anonymous survey to collect data and assess the effectiveness and impact of this program. Students were asked to compare their technical skills and soft skills before and after their participation in SEI, rate the different activities/components of SEI, and provide feedback. They were also asked to evaluate their confidence in going to an internship interview and if they actually landed an external internship after SEI. The survey results are promising. Most students responded with a change from little exposure to improved or competent in many skills and a boost of confidence in applying for internships. Among the 2021 and 2022 participants, 64% of respondents found external internships.