PLANT ACADEMY

Student Internship Program

Bridging the Gap
Between Student Education and Practical Hands-On Experience

An internship with the Plant Academy is a first hand experience at developing and delivering education, training, and organizational development programs and services to managers, supervisors and staff in Facilities and Operations and the University community. The internship program is primarily designed for both graduate and undergraduate students. Plant Academy interns use this opportunity to explore the field of training and organization development and to acquire practical skills. They also develop greater awareness of the many changes an organization faces and deals with on a daily basis.

The intern works side by side with members of the Plant Academy staff and participates in a variety of assignments ranging from office organization to course development, training logistics, management coaching, and strategic planning retreats.

Student, faculty and staff who are interested in finding out more about the Plant Academy Internship program please contact Dr. J. A. Bardouille (JB), 734-647-8007 or J.A. Bardouille (get address) (38.107.191.115)

Reflections of the Plant Academy Interns

Robert Hampton
I have spent approximately the last two years here learning by observation and experience. Originally as an Aerospace Engineering student, I had no idea that my time here at Plant Academy would be beneficial outside of seeing a small business operate. But as time passed I realized that my internship presented me with a unique opportunity. I was able to see how a small-scale enterprise like the Plant Academy could develop in a large organizational environment such as the University of Michigan.

I have learned the ups and downs of large and small businesses, and as I work to finish my degree in Film and Video studies (I have changed my major), I realize that the time spent in Plant Academy will be very beneficial as I try to learn some of the things I have yet to understand.

Some of the largest benefits from working here at Plant Academy have come from working on specific projects such as the catalog, registration, and the training report. These “real world” situations have forced me to become very good with time management, work prioritizing and organ-izational skills. Plant Academy has shown me a lot, from the workplace to the conference room.

Benjamin Liem
These past months have provided a fascinating and beneficial experience. I am able to meet deadlines in critical situations. This has improved my time management skills, which is a plus in the “real world”! I learned that teamwork helps get things done, especially when time can be our worst enemy. I received “hands on” experience interacting with and observing the different departments in Plant Operations communicating with each other. In conclusion, I find that the Plant Academy internship is a learning tool for achievement in life and organizational development. Plant Academy has exposed me, an engineering student, to the behavioral science / organizational development world. Thank you for the intriguing experience!

Jennifer Schaedig
Being an intern at the Plant Academy has been an invaluable experience. Over the past two summers I have learned a host of skills that will not only help me in my academic pursuits, but also in my professional life. This job has also given me the opportunity to meet several interesting people that I would not have been exposed to otherwise.

The social and work skills that I have acquired here at the Plant Academy will not only help me in school and work, but also in life in general. I have learned that it is important to work as a team. I have also learned to understand and be respectful of other people’s ideas. I am glad to have had this opportunity. I know that the skills and knowledge will follow me through my educational, professional, and personal life.