Learning Beyond the Lecture Hall: Internship Insights Summer 2025

By: Nicole Pool, Marketing Intern

Marketing in a World of Engineers: My Experience

Looking back at my time at Tec Inc. Engineering & Design as a Marketing Intern, I had a rewarding and memorable experience. I started the internship as a junior going into my senior year at Ohio University. Throughout my time at Tec, I adapted to the engineers' work environment and found ways to integrate marketing into their daily operations.

Marketing Intern, Nicole Pool

During my internship, I collected and input accurate employee information, worked with various applications, and contributed to Tec’s social media presence on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram. I strengthened my skills in Adobe Express, Adobe Illustrator, Sendible, Deltek Vantagepoint, Meta, and Wix. Although Tec primarily focuses on engineering, the team recognized my professional and personal skills, creating a space where my marketing abilities could truly thrive.

I gained hands-on experience with each assignment, supporting my professional growth and development. From a modern marketing perspective, I aimed to capture the customer’s eye in every project. Throughout the internship, I consistently observed how powerful visuals can bring ideas to life and draw attention. Interning at Tec allowed me to grow in a setting that values effective communication and project success.

Engineering in Action: Elaine Chen's Perspective

Elaine’s internship at Tec Inc. has been an incredible hands-on learning experience in the field of engineering. She has grown substantially at Tec thanks to the support from her supervisors, Mike Ferrante, who guided her through projects and then gave her the independence she needed to thrive. Elaine enjoys how collaborative the team is, always working together to find the best possible solutions.

Intern Elaine Chen, investigating existing building plans for a renovation project.

She acquired experience with key industry tools, including AutoCAD, Revit, and Trane TRACE. These tools helped Elaine gain practical skills as an intern. Elaine also states that she appreciates the family-like atmosphere here at Tec, where communication and teamwork come together to build success.

As Elaine puts it, “Working at Tec has been a rewarding and educational experience. The environment is very technically driven, and I’m constantly surrounded by professionals who are not only knowledgeable but also passionate and supportive of training interns like me.” Tec equipped Elaine with the skills and knowledge to confidently pursue a successful future in engineering, and she is eager to embark on this journey.

Innovation from the Ground Up: Jose Reyes Marin's Perspective

Reflecting on Jose’s internship at Tec Inc., he also gained valuable experience working alongside a highly skilled and supportive team. He especially valued the hands-on learning and the opportunity to engage with real-world challenges. Jose admired the close collaboration between the electrical and mechanical teams at Tec, which fostered an environment where complex problems were addressed efficiently.

Mechanical Intern Jose Reyes Marin reviewing plan markups in order to make changes.

During his internship, Jose took the time to enhance his collaboration, problem-solving, and communication skills. He gained professional exposure to industry tools such as AutoCAD, Revit, and Bluebeam, which helped equip him with a strong foundation for a future career in consulting engineering. In addition, Jose appreciated the welcoming atmosphere and balanced workflow that contribute to a productive work environment here at Tec.

In Jose’s own words, “Working at Tec means learning something new every day, solving real problems, and being part of a team that supports you.” The dedication to continuous professional development underscores the impact this internship had on his growth both as an engineer and as an individual.

Designing for Real Impact: Allison Covey's Perspective

Allison’s internship in the Columbus office was a truly hands-on experience, giving her the chance to collaborate on electrical systems, develop detailed drawings, and visit project sites. After her experience of working at larger firms, she chose Tec for its smaller and more connected atmosphere. That environment shift allowed her to dive deeper into the engineering field and build confidence in her skills.

At Tec, teamwork is the value that drives every project. Allison takes part in regular team meetings, reviews drawing scopes, and shares updates on new electrical work. These weekly tasks help her understand how projects move from an idea to completion. Allison has improved her communication, developed an engineer's mindset, and strengthened her technical abilities with the software AutoCAD. What she values most is working in a team that supports and creates space for shared success.

In Allison’s words, “The hands-on experience at Tec has really helped me develop better as an engineer.” Her motivation to keep learning and her eagerness to ask questions have fueled her growth throughout the internship process. Allison is ready to continue her path in engineering after spending this summer at Tec. She developed not only technical skills but also the confidence to pursue her career goals by actively contributing to real projects and seeking feedback during the internship.

Behind the Systems: Trang Nguyen's Perspective

Trang’s internship experience at Tec Inc. has been an in-depth introduction to real-world engineering. She managed power and lighting systems using AutoCAD and Revit, and she also assisted with load calculations, panel schedules, and design specifications. These tasks highlight her commitment to designing systems that prioritize reliability and efficiency.

Electrical Intern Trang Nguyen, logging in to her desktop for the day.

She discovered Tec through the SOTC program, and she immediately noticed the firm’s collaborative and growth-focused environment. From the beginning, she found a team that encouraged her to ask questions and supported her learning process. The mentorship at Tec gave her the confidence to take on real project work and provided the guidance she needed in the field.

Trang developed skills in both electrical and mechanical design, strengthened her technical skills, and gained valuable on-site experience with projects. “Working at the Tec office is a positive experience. The atmosphere is friendly and professional. It is easy to ask questions and share ideas,” she explained. With Tec's support, she now feels ready and well-prepared to take the next step in her engineering career.

Solving Problems from Every Angle: Madalynn Schwanekamp’s Perspective

Madalynn’s internship at Tec Inc. exposed her to a wide range of projects. As a computer engineering major, she leapt into the electrical world, working with AutoCAD, lighting layouts, and learning how to read and respond to review markups. Each day brought something new to the table. Even while juggling multiple projects, she remained grounded in with her goal of real-world impact.

Madalynn values how Tec combines support with independence. In her opinion, the environment remains relaxed yet professional, with collaboration flowing naturally and smoothly. For Madalynn, strong communication and asking questions drive her success in the workplace by fostering collaboration.

Throughout her internship, she enhanced her technical skills, learned to track projects, and became an effective team member. What keeps her motivated is knowing that her work has impact and can shape real, tangible spaces. As she puts it, “(Working here is) going to challenge you, but it will be worth it for the things you learn here.” Thanks to Tec's supportive team and flexible approach, she envisions opportunities to grow as an engineer.

Powering Through the Details: Paige Welsheimer's Perspective

This summer is Paige’s second internship at Tec, and she dove into a wide range of projects, making each day engaging and full of variety. Unlike some of her peers who focus on a single project for months, Paige thrives on the fast pace and the diversity of her assignments. She played a role and contributed to major projects, such as dormitory projects at The Ohio State University.

Throughout her internship, Paige embraced Tec’s collaborative culture. The office’s open-concept layout made it easy to engage with team members throughout the day, while the team encouraged her to tackle problems independently. She worked closely with mentors like Drew Robinson and gained hands-on experience using industry tools such as Revit and AutoCAD, mastering her skills to the point where she says, “I can use Revit in my sleep.”

Paige improved her communication skills and confidence by learning to ask for help when needed, a challenge she overcame during her time at Tec. She reflects, “The people at Tec are so welcoming, I am grateful for how much I have learned.” Thanks to Tec’s supportive environment, Paige confidently prepares to continue her journey as a mechanical engineer.

What We Learned Outside the Classroom

Our internships at Tec Inc. provided valuable lessons beyond technical skills, highlighting the importance of collaboration, communication, and adaptability in a professional environment. Working alongside cross-functional teams—from engineering to marketing—deepened our understanding of the interconnected nature of these roles when tackling real-world challenges. This experience prepared us to make meaningful contributions in our future careers. Thank you, Tec Inc. Engineering & Design, for an impactful and unforgettable experience.