When looking for a job, some argue it's who you know, not what you know, that's more important. For one College of Engineering junior, it's a little bit of both that led to a great internship opportunity this past summer.

Mechanical engineering junior Deondre Robinson spent his summer with WSP in Maryland. He had a pretty good in with the company: Gregory Kelly, who spoke at the College's graduation exercises this May. Robinson presented Kelly with the 2016 Gallery of Success Award but the two first met at a networking event last September.

At Kelly's suggestion, Robinson applied and was accepted to WSP's competitive internship program.

Robinson worked on train engines that ran on the MARC regional mass transit lines, handling multiple areas of engineering. "I assisted directly with the engineers in the design of HVAC systems, phase panel scheduling, a train restoration/modification project, helping maintain Rfis, and maintaining contact with potential partners," he said of his experience.

"I got a very detailed look at heat transfer/thermodynamics in HVAC systems. I refined my AutoCAD skills while also introducing myself to the likes of Revit and Microstation. I was given hands on experience with circuits and phase panels. I learned how to use excel for more than just a data acquisition program but a tool to help efficiency and generate comprehensive numbers."

WSP was Robinson's first internship as a student. His program was almost exclusively upperclassmen and graduate students. As the programming director of NSBE and a RA in one of the concentration-specific dorms, he returned with a variety of contacts and insight on how to convert opportunities into successful internships. "One thing I learned was it's not like college," he said.

"You're not force fed work. You have to go out and seek work, take initiative, and that's something I can really push onto my residents and the members of NSBE and anyone who wants to listen. It's about taking the initiative, going out and finding work, trying to do the best for yourself because no one is going to give you the work. You have to go earn it."