Two College of Southern Maryland students spent their summer doing hands-on engineering and robotics work at a Charles County research nonprofit — an outcome they credit to a structured internship-support program run by the college’s career center.
Nathan Ihama, a second-year engineering student, completed a four-week internship with the Energetics Technology Center (ETC), a nonprofit research and engineering organization based in Indian Head. Sehode Klidje, a computer engineering student, recently finished a two-week internship assisting a summer robotics course for high school students at the Velocity Center, also in Indian Head. Both credit CSM’s Center for Career Development and Success (CCDS) with preparing them for the roles and helping them land the positions in the first place.
“At ETC I’m working on a rocket project making our own model rocket, and I’m helping out with an ETC robotics summer course for high school students at the Velocity Center,” Ihama said. “It’s really nice to see what’s happening at the Velocity Center and also learn from the students.”
Credit: College of Southern Maryland
How the Program Works
The CCDS runs a Work-Based Learning program that pairs students with area employers for internships and apprenticeships, following an initial competency quiz that assesses career-readiness skills and shapes individualized guidance. Students then work one-on-one with center staff on mock interviews, resume building, and developing an “elevator pitch,” along with making professional connections. Ralph Critten, the center’s director of industry engagement, said that kind of structured support can make a meaningful difference for students working toward their goals.
“Our students will go on to fill critical positions in the Southern Maryland workforce,” Critten said. “This program is a great way for students to connect the dots between what they have learned in the classroom and how it will apply after they graduate. When our students build these skills, it builds up our entire region.”
For Klidje, the preparation extended beyond the internship itself. “They walked me through all the steps and the interviews so I could be prepared for how to behave in the workplace,” she said. “It was really helpful and the internship gives me some experience in the field.”
Looking Ahead
Ihama, who is on track to graduate in May 2027 and plans to transfer to West Virginia University to pursue a bachelor’s degree in engineering, said the program’s support translated into multiple opportunities. “I got one other offer and another interview, all of which the CCDS helped me get,” he said. “We had multiple Zoom calls between interviews. It’s not something you realize until you put it into practice, but building your communication skills is so important. All the resources are there if you just seek the help.”
CCDS has connected 29 students with internships this year, according to the college. Students can apply for fall semester opportunities through CSM’s HawkJobs portal.
