Celebrating UTA interns on National Intern Day
In celebration of National Intern Day today, we asked University of Texas at Arlington students to share their summer internship experiences and highlight the hard work and achievements that are shaping their career journeys.
Here’s what they had to say:
Toni Colbert
Toni Colbert, a senior double-majoring in theatre arts and English, is interning at Project Transformation Greater Tarrant.
“I am a youth coordinator at Project Transformation. I live at the dorms on the Texas Wesleyan campus in Fort Worth, and I go to Martin United Methodist Church to run a day camp for kids. I implement curriculums for junior high students and track their reading progress throughout the summer.”
Toni said her favorite part of the internship is “creating relationships with my students and other interns. All the interns stay at Texas Wesleyan, and we created a little community. There are events every Wednesday, and on Fridays we go to different places to discover different career paths. My kids are some of the funniest people I have ever met, and I can’t go to sleep at a decent time because my roommates are also hilarious and keep me up all night long.”
The most valuable things she has learned at her internship is “Having a backup plan is absolutely necessary, and things don’t always have to go according to plan. Some of the activities I planned didn’t go the way I wanted them to initially, but my kids and I still found ways to have a lot of fun. I tried making a stress ball with my kids using cornstarch, water, and balloons, and we made a huge mess, but still made fun memories.”
Three emojis to describe her internship: 🤪🥹🍀
Hailey Do
Hailey Do, a senior majoring in business analytics, is interning at Equinix this summer.
“I am the Go-to-Market Operations Intern, which is under the Revenue Operations Department. My day-to-day involves cleaning and organizing customer relationship data in Salesforce, building dashboards using CRM Analytics and Tableau, and supporting projects that help our planning and strategy team work more efficiently.”
Hailey said her favorite part of the internship is that “it offers so much more than just working with your assigned department; it encourages cross-functional collaboration and gives you a behind-the-scenes look at how a global tech company operates. There are tons of events and learning sessions designed to help interns thrive, including direct Q&As with the company’s chief sales officer, insights into what it’s like to be a full-time Equinix employee, and even a fun celebration for National Intern Day. One of my favorite parts has been connecting with interns from other schools and learning from their experiences. We also get to participate in a Shark Tank-style competition, where we pitch ideas to improve different aspects of the company—a great way to think creatively and make an impact!”
She said the most valuable thing she has learned at her internship “is the importance of being confident in myself, especially when there isn’t a clearly defined path. My manager encourages me to explore freely and figure things out on my own, which was definitely scary at first. But over time, I’ve become more comfortable navigating uncertainty, and it’s pushed me to grow. I’ve been able to pick up new tools and skills independently, and I feel like I’m getting better every day!”
Three emojis to describe her internship: ⭐💗↗️
Glen Scott
Glen Scott, a senior majoring in information systems, is interning at Cinemark.
“I’m interning in the Operations Department, with a focus on inventory. My day typically involves working on resource materials, conducting field interviews, and working on assigned projects that are coming up. Inventory counts happen weekly, and I closely monitor the inventory system to note any discrepancies or unexplained data.”
Glen said his favorite part of the internship is “meeting and becoming close with all the other interns at the office—and all the free popcorn and snacks.”
He said the most valuable thing he has learned at his internship is that “in the real professional world, your initial ideas aren’t always going to pan out. Learning to successfully pivot and receive feedback as you work toward your goals is extremely important.”
Three emojis to describe his internship: 🍿🎥 💼
Hammad Khan
Hammad Khan, a junior majoring in industrial engineering, is interning at General Motors this summer.
“I’m currently interning in the Supply Chain Department. I support inbound logistics and materials management, ensuring that parts arrive on time and that production has what it needs to keep running smoothly. My day starts with a team meeting to review performance metrics, production schedules, and any potential bottlenecks. From there, I’m hands-on in the plant and the materials office tracking shipments, analyzing inventory flows, and working closely with Ryder and other logistics partners to solve real-time challenges.”
Hammad said one of the most unforgettable moments of his internship was “getting flown out to Detroit for GM Intern Day, where we had the chance to explore the heart of the company’s innovation. We toured the GM campus, networked with interns from across North America, and even got an exclusive look inside the aerodynamic testing tunnels where future vehicles are tested for drag, airflow, and efficiency. Seeing how engineering, design, and supply chain all align to bring a vehicle from concept to production gave me a whole new level of appreciation for the complexity behind automotive manufacturing.”
He said the most valuable thing he has learned at the internship is “how to solve real problems in real time—not just using theory, but by combining data, communication, and critical thinking under pressure. Whether it was improving dock operations, resolving material shortages, or working with cross-functional teams, I learned how to take initiative, own problems, and drive solutions that actually impact production. That mindset of being proactive, adaptable, and outcome-focused is something I’ll carry with me far beyond this internship.”
Three emojis to describe his internship: 🔧📊🚗
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Susan Gonzalez
Susan Gonzalez, a graduate landscape architecture student in the College of Architecture, Planning, and Public Affairs, is joining HOCKER in Dallas as the Cultural Landscape Foundation’s fellow.
Susan is working on a “what’s out there” project and creating a list of culturally and historically significant sites around Dallas. Her team’s goal is to expand the database of significant places around the city and bring to light the stories of these cultural and historical spaces.
“I’ve done many projects around the city of Dallas—school projects and a lot of community involvement—and I’m really passionate about this city.”
Three emojis to describe her internship: 🌳⛲️👩🏻💻
Robert Ruiz
Robert Ruiz, a junior majoring in electrical engineering, is currently interning at Oncor Electric Delivery.
“At Oncor, I work in the Transmission Engineering Department, more specifically working with generation customers who export energy back to the power grid. The project I worked on over the summer involves electrical substation design to connect a customer’s battery energy storage system to Oncor’s distribution utility lines. I also worked on making necessary station upgrades, like an overvoltage protection scheme utilizing instrument transformers and protective relays.”
Robert said his favorite part of the internship has been “working on substation blueprint designs that are installed in the field for real-world usage.”
He said the most valuable thing he learned was that “there are tons of moving parts involved when it comes to powering the great state of Texas. There is more to power than just electrical engineers. We need mechanical engineers to design power lines, towers, and heavy moving equipment in stations. We need civil engineers for land surveys, soil testing, land grading, and foundational integrity of huge metal structures. We need business experts, industrial engineers, construction managers—the list goes on!”
Three emojis to describe his internship: ⚡👨💻💡
Ary Lopez
Ary Lopez, a finance and accounting double major, is currently interning at EY as part of the company’s Launch Internship program.
Ary says the best part of his internship so far has been the people. “EY has been very welcoming, and I really appreciate how all the interns and professionals are extremely friendly. The firm has invested so much in all the interns to ensure we come out as better people and professionals.”
The biggest thing Ary has learned at the internship is how to manage his time. After his internship, he will work to become a certified public accountant and continue working in finance.
Three emojis to describe his internship: 📈💼💡
Christine Steffan
Christine Steffan, a senior majoring in electrical engineering, is interning at Elbit Systems of America.
“I am interning in component engineering. My daily tasks include obsolescence management reports, designing components in Xpedition, inspecting shipments of parts for counterfeits, and engaging in engineering or drawing change processes.”
Christine said her favorite part of the internship has been “all the connections I’ve made with everyone in the office and being able to learn applicable knowledge in the industry, which has helped me better understand the importance of certain details when designing circuits.”
The most valuable thing she has learned is that “it’s OK to ask for help. When you start off in the real-world setting of a job or internship, it’s your first time dealing with many new tasks and processes and you won’t grow if you don’t get the help you need. Asking for help is a sign of growth, not weakness!”
Three emojis to describe her internship: 🔎⚡️🌱
Dominick Rico
Dominick Rico, a senior majoring in architectural engineering, is interning at Granite Construction.
“My job consists of a little bit of everything. I work on submittals, take monthly progress photos, and receive incoming materials. I’m also in contact with our subcontractors to discuss material and work plan details.”
Dominick said his favorite experience at the internship was “learning how to drive an excavator!”
The most valuable thing he has learned is “how to communicate in the world of construction. The best part of this internship is the relationships among everyone at the job site. There is always mutual respect, whether you're an intern, laborer, or project manager. Communication is the most fluid when the people on the job site get along, and Granite does a great job at providing that environment.”
Three emojis to describe his internship: 👷♀️🦺🤟🏽
Allison Beller
Allison Beller, a senior majoring in business management and marketing, is interning at Swinerton Builders.
“I’m the marketing intern for the Dallas branch. We build proposals to bid for potential opportunities.”
Allison said her favorite part of the internship is “meeting the Swinerton employees and building relationships with such great people.”
The most valuable thing she has learned is “to be a sponge and ask lots of questions!”
Three emojis to describe her internship: 👷🏽♀️💻✨
Jordan Lanier
Jordan Lanier, a senior majoring in information systems, recently completed a training program with the United States Space Force.
“I completed a month-long development training program with the United States Space Force in Colorado Springs. During this intensive program, I engaged in advanced studies in space microbiology, sustainable food cultivation in outer space, satellite orbital mechanics, and the physiological effects of zero gravity on the human body. I had the unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience alongside NASA astronauts and leading scientists, learning about the critical technologies and survival strategies required for long-term habitation on other planets. I also participated in simulated space conditions to better understand the challenges of extraterrestrial environments.”
Jordan said his favorite part of his internship was that it “was not a traditional internship, in a sense that it was a traditional office job. Instead, every day there was something different like getting to learn from scientists that are trying to put life on different planets like Mars—it’s something that is really cool and also kind of scary to think about.”
The most valuable thing he has learned is to “just being a leader and being adaptive is something that I took away the most. I was working with students from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard so sometimes it was a bit intimidating. At the end of the day I knew I was there for a reason, and got to pick their brains, learn from each other, and work together as one cohesive unit.”
Three emojis to describe his internship: 🚀🪐🛰️
Florencio Gobellan
Florencio Gobellan, a senior majoring in social work and psychology, was interning at Harvard University.
“At Harvard, I worked as a College Experience Intern supporting over 200 high school students in their academic and personal transition to college life. I served as a mentor and point of contact for emotional support, addressing concerns like homesickness, identity exploration, and interpersonal conflict in a residential setting. I also helped coordinate wellness-based events, such as mindfulness painting socials and cultural programming, to build community and encourage open expression. This role strengthened my ability to respond empathetically and calmly to emotional and behavioral needs in a high-pressure environment.”
Florencio said his favorite part of his internship was “working directly with students from different backgrounds and supporting them in their transition to college life. Whether it was through one-on-one check-ins, leading workshops, or helping them navigate academic and personal challenges, I found it incredibly rewarding to be a consistent source of support. Seeing their growth over the course of the program and knowing I played a part in their journey has been the most fulfilling part of this experience.”
The most valuable thing he learned at his internship was “how to navigate and support students through real-time challenges while balancing empathy with structure. I’ve learned the importance of active listening, cultural humility, and creating a safe space where students feel seen and heard. These skills have strengthened my ability to build trust and offer meaningful support, especially in high-stress or unfamiliar environments.”
Three emojis to describe his internship: 📚🌆🧳