Since it takes a good student to take courses out of sequence without being overwhelmed, the program is not recommended for marginal students. Students should apply for the program early in the Spring semester of their sophomore year. The program usually begins during the subsequent Summer or Fall semesters after the student has been accepted into upper-division. A student registers for all industrial assignments and is required to submit a formal technical report following the completion of each work assignment. While on industrial assignment, it is suggested that, when possible, students take courses in the required nontechnical elective areas either by correspondence, at a local college or university, or through the Extension Division.
Students normally remain with the same company for the entire industrial assignment.
There is no obligation to accept permanent employment with the company upon graduation, nor is the company obligated to retain students on a permanent basis. However, about a quarter of intern students remain with the company after graduation, and some companies hire new graduates mostly or even only from those who have interned with them. The basic course requirement is a formal technical report that is prepared outside of regular working hours. Reports must be approved and signed by the student's direct supervisor. These forms can be picked up in 107 Akerman Hall.