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Jayvyn
Student
Rochester, New York
1
Question
Updated
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How can I find an internship in optical engineering/photonics while in college?
I plan on attending the University of Rochester, where I'll be majoring in Optical Engineering. What's the best place to look for internships in the area?
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1 answer
Joe L.
Program Manager
59
Answers
Houston, Texas
Updated
Joe’s Answer
Attending the University of Rochester and majoring in Optical Engineering offers a great opportunity to find internships, given the university’s strong connections in the field and the region’s robust optics and photonics industry. Here are some steps and resources to help you find relevant internships:
1. University Resources
Career Services Office
University of Rochester Greene Center for Career Education and Connections: They offer career counseling, internship listings, resume reviews, and networking opportunities.
Handshake Platform: Use the University of Rochester’s Handshake platform to search for internships specifically curated for university students.
Department of Optics
Faculty and Advisors: Speak with your professors and academic advisors. They often have industry connections and can recommend opportunities.
Department Newsletters and Bulletins: Check for announcements about internships, research opportunities, and networking events.
Student Organizations
Optical Society (OSA) Student Chapter: Join and participate in meetings and events. Networking with peers and professionals can lead to internship opportunities.
SPIE (International Society for Optics and Photonics) Student Chapter: Engage with this professional society to access resources and connections in the optics community.
2. Local Companies and Research Labs
Eastman Kodak
A historic leader in imaging and optics, Kodak often offers internships in optical engineering and related fields.
Corning Incorporated
Known for its glass and optics technologies, Corning has opportunities in research and development.
Harris Corporation (now L3Harris Technologies)
Specializes in communications and electronic systems, often seeking interns with optics expertise.
University of Rochester Laboratories
Laboratory for Laser Energetics (LLE): Offers internships and research opportunities for students interested in laser and optics research.
Institute of Optics: Engage with research projects and faculty-led initiatives.
3. Networking and Professional Associations
Professional Conferences
Attend optics and photonics conferences like OSA’s Frontiers in Optics or SPIE’s Photonics West to network with professionals and learn about internship opportunities.
LinkedIn
Create and maintain a professional LinkedIn profile. Follow companies in the optics field and connect with alumni from the University of Rochester who are working in optical engineering.
Alumni Network
Utilize the University of Rochester’s alumni network to connect with graduates working in the optics industry. They can offer guidance and might know of internship openings.
4. Online Job Portals and Websites
Indeed, Glassdoor, and LinkedIn
Regularly search for internships using keywords like “optical engineering internship,” “photonics internship,” and “optics intern.”
Specific Job Boards for Optics and Photonics
Optics.org and SPIE Career Center: These specialized job boards often list internships and job opportunities in the optics field.
Company Websites
Frequently visit the careers pages of local companies and research labs to apply directly for internship positions.
5. Local Startups and Smaller Firms
Rochester’s Optics and Photonics Cluster
Rochester is known for its optics and photonics industry. Explore opportunities at smaller firms and startups which may offer more hands-on experiences.
6. Apply Early and Often
Prepare Your Application Materials
Have a well-crafted resume, cover letter, and any relevant work or research samples ready. Tailor each application to the specific role and company.
Apply to Multiple Internships
Don’t limit yourself to one or two applications. The more you apply, the higher your chances of securing an internship.
By utilizing these resources and taking a proactive approach, you’ll increase your chances of finding a valuable internship in Optical Engineering near the University of Rochester.
1. University Resources
Career Services Office
University of Rochester Greene Center for Career Education and Connections: They offer career counseling, internship listings, resume reviews, and networking opportunities.
Handshake Platform: Use the University of Rochester’s Handshake platform to search for internships specifically curated for university students.
Department of Optics
Faculty and Advisors: Speak with your professors and academic advisors. They often have industry connections and can recommend opportunities.
Department Newsletters and Bulletins: Check for announcements about internships, research opportunities, and networking events.
Student Organizations
Optical Society (OSA) Student Chapter: Join and participate in meetings and events. Networking with peers and professionals can lead to internship opportunities.
SPIE (International Society for Optics and Photonics) Student Chapter: Engage with this professional society to access resources and connections in the optics community.
2. Local Companies and Research Labs
Eastman Kodak
A historic leader in imaging and optics, Kodak often offers internships in optical engineering and related fields.
Corning Incorporated
Known for its glass and optics technologies, Corning has opportunities in research and development.
Harris Corporation (now L3Harris Technologies)
Specializes in communications and electronic systems, often seeking interns with optics expertise.
University of Rochester Laboratories
Laboratory for Laser Energetics (LLE): Offers internships and research opportunities for students interested in laser and optics research.
Institute of Optics: Engage with research projects and faculty-led initiatives.
3. Networking and Professional Associations
Professional Conferences
Attend optics and photonics conferences like OSA’s Frontiers in Optics or SPIE’s Photonics West to network with professionals and learn about internship opportunities.
Create and maintain a professional LinkedIn profile. Follow companies in the optics field and connect with alumni from the University of Rochester who are working in optical engineering.
Alumni Network
Utilize the University of Rochester’s alumni network to connect with graduates working in the optics industry. They can offer guidance and might know of internship openings.
4. Online Job Portals and Websites
Indeed, Glassdoor, and LinkedIn
Regularly search for internships using keywords like “optical engineering internship,” “photonics internship,” and “optics intern.”
Specific Job Boards for Optics and Photonics
Optics.org and SPIE Career Center: These specialized job boards often list internships and job opportunities in the optics field.
Company Websites
Frequently visit the careers pages of local companies and research labs to apply directly for internship positions.
5. Local Startups and Smaller Firms
Rochester’s Optics and Photonics Cluster
Rochester is known for its optics and photonics industry. Explore opportunities at smaller firms and startups which may offer more hands-on experiences.
6. Apply Early and Often
Prepare Your Application Materials
Have a well-crafted resume, cover letter, and any relevant work or research samples ready. Tailor each application to the specific role and company.
Apply to Multiple Internships
Don’t limit yourself to one or two applications. The more you apply, the higher your chances of securing an internship.
By utilizing these resources and taking a proactive approach, you’ll increase your chances of finding a valuable internship in Optical Engineering near the University of Rochester.