Spencer Robinson has gained more from his student internship at Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories (SEL) than he could have ever expected.
The rising senior at Florida Polytechnic University began his engineering internship with the company in Wesley Chapel, Florida, in November of 2023 during the first semester of his junior year. SEL has kept him on since then, and Robinson is hopeful this could extend to a full-time position after graduation next May.
The company focuses on designing and manufacturing products that protect and control electric power systems worldwide.
“I really enjoy how broad my internship is and how supportive SEL is as a company,” Robinson said. “They want you to learn and do well. It’s really nice to be part of a company with SEL’s values – the ones that stick out to me are quality, integrity, community, and customer focus.”
The computer engineering major’s current project involves designing direct current (DC) schematics, wiring diagrams, and cable schedules for a remote relay communications project with Tampa Electric (TECO).
“Instead of devices just tripping or opening a breaker, this work will let them know what the device is doing from a remote location,” Robinson said. “It’s beneficial for them because instead of having to go to those devices, they can do it from a single human-machine interface screen and go through all the different devices.”
The experience has been invaluable so far, he said, particularly the breadth of specialization opportunities.
“The exposure to the power industry has been really amazing,” Robinson said. “I was talking to the main protection engineer in our office, and he was like, the further you swim, the more you realize how big the ocean is. The more you learn about the power industry, the more you learn there is still a lot to learn.”
Robinson, from Green Cove Springs, Florida, said his fundamental classroom knowledge and confidence helped him secure the position.
“One of the engineers who hired me said, ‘You had a high GPA, but when you were interviewing, I could tell you really knew the information. This wasn’t a case of you just did it for the grade kind of knowledge,’” he said.
As the internship continues and Robinson prepares himself for the start of his senior year, he also is preparing to soon take the Fundamentals of Engineering Exam. It is the first of two tests engineers must pass in order to be licensed as a professional engineer in the United States. Nationally, many advisors recommend the test be taken during the spring semester of a student’s senior year.
“I recognize I’m making a bold move, but if I take it and pass it now, I’m putting myself in a great position to take the Professional Engineering exam,” he said. “My two goals are to get my professional engineering license and be with SEL for the long term.”
Contact:
Lydia Guzman
Director of Communications
863-874-8557