SRC is always looking for students searching for a challenging and rewarding summer co-op. Here are some tips and advice from some of our former co-op students:
- As a first-time co-op, you probably will not have a lot of technical background, and that's okay. If you show an interest in what the company is doing you will receive a lot of positive response and the experience will be great. You will learn so much from the full-time engineers that after the initial adjustment phase, the inexperience will be a non-issue. Also, try to get your hands on as many projects or aspects of the company as possible in your time there. This will show the company that you want to learn and can be a team player and is an extremely important skill to have in today's workplace.
- Ask questions. At SRC, the working environment is conducive to asking questions — you can ask anyone anything at any time for whatever reason and they'll help you — it's great.
- Try to find a pet project at work that you can do for the company. Companies love the initiative and it gives you something really enjoyable to work on while having a perfect item for your future resume.
- Go into it with an open-mind. Be willing to try new things and learn new technologies. This will make for a great experience.
We seek out interns pursuing degrees in electrical engineering, computer engineering, computer science, mechanical engineering, physics, and applied math. SRC may also have opportunities for students studying environmental science, biology, chemistry, and related subjects.
In order to attract the best and the brightest from the top colleges and universities, SRC maintains year-round contact with academic institutions. We participate in career-related events, as well as engage in research and development partnerships with various universities.
Intern Benefits
Intern Housing – designed to assist interns working at SRC with their temporary relocation expenses.
• A stipend will be given to interns temporarily relocating more than 50 miles from their permanent residence.
Intern Referral – designed to reward current and past interns for referring friends and family.
• A bonus payout will be awarded to interns who refer friends and family that get hired for 3-6 month internships and full time position.
• In order to be eligible for this benefit, you must be a current or former intern within two years of when the candidate is referred
SRC Campus Ambassador
• One or two ambassadors, per campus, will be appointed upon completion of an internship.
• Campus Ambassadors will be responsible for promoting SRC on campus, providing faculty contacts, informing SRC of campus events that would be beneficial for them to attend and other on-campus responsibilities.
• Interns will be paid for their work on campus.
“I’ve been working as an intern here at SRC for almost two months and it has been exciting to learn how a research oriented company really works. The project I have been assigned to has kept me interested in doing my best since day two (since day one was orientation). As an intern, I’ve been able to grasp all the opportunities that the company has to offer.”
“I really enjoyed my six-month co-op here at SRC. Everyday I worked on interesting projects where I used my previous work experience and knowledge from school. All of my co-workers were very friendly and more than willing to help whenever I needed it. It also felt good to work on projects protecting our troops. I enjoyed the time I spent here learning and growing.”
“I really did learn a lot about how to conduct good, legitimate, scientific research. Although I only worked with a handful of other SRC employees, the teamwork and getting to know what other people do was valuable and enjoyable.”
“I like the fact that I was able to produce a tool that is and will be used by SRC engineers far into the future.”
“Working as an engineer and not an intern was a great experience. I wasn’t treated as though I was an inferior worker and I was able to help other engineers that have been here for quite some time. That to me was very rewarding and gratifying.”
“All I can say it that I consider myself truly lucky to be able to work here. It's a friendly and supportive atmosphere, and I'm given work that I know somebody wants done.”
“As a returning intern everyday is still as enjoyable as the first, because each one is still filled with new and interesting challenges.”
“I've been working at SRCTec for over two months now and I've really enjoyed my time here. I enjoy going to work every day knowing I will play an important role in the manufacturing of SRC products. The experience and insight I have received into the exact process involved with turning out a product is valuable and extremely pertinent to the field of study I am most interested in. All in all, I can't say enough about both the quality of my co-workers and how they've entrusted me with such crucial tasks that make me feel like an important part of the team.”
“I am fortunate to have worked at SRC as a summer intern. I learned what it is like to work for a not-for-profit research corporation, and to be part of an internal research and development team. Also, everyone on the team was nice; I enjoyed working with all of the team members.”
“As an intern at SRCTec I have had the opportunity to experience a supportive work and learning environment. The engineers I worked with were more than willing to answer my questions and also gave me a degree of responsibility and autonomy which led to self-initiated learning and job duties. This responsibility has led to a gratifying internship where I was able to make meaningful and practical contributions to the company, while developing new skills and acquiring knowledge of manufacturing and electrical systems.”
“My experience so far at SRC has me feeling like I am more than 'just an intern' and almost like a regular employee. I was surprised by how quickly I became involved in the project I was working on and also by how quickly my responsibilities have grown. It has been a great summer so far; I've been learning constantly since day one and have been given opportunities I had never even imagined possible.”
“The most prominent aspect that comes to mind from my time at SRC is the friendly environment, of which I was able to experience prior to my arrival. I had been unable to bring a vehicle to Syracuse, leaving me without transportation, but SRC arranged for me to travel to and from work with another employee! This really made me feel welcome and wanted before I had even begun work.
Upon beginning work I felt I was treated as any other employee, not as some lowly intern sent to go make coffee. The team of full-time employees I was placed in was no exception. Whenever I would go to anyone for assistance they would often stop what they were doing until the problem had been resolved, or I was in contact with someone who could resolve the issue.
I found SRC to be an all-around very personable place. Almost everyday while traversing the facility I am stopped and talked to employees from various departments and hierarchy levels.”