Picatinny's STEM Externship deemed a success

By Lauren Poindexter, Picatinny Arsenal Public AffairsJanuary 21, 2016

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PICATINNY ARSENAL, N.J. -- Picatinny invited students from Rutgers University and Stevens Institute to experience its first "Externship" on Jan. 12-15 during which students from local universities spend time in different workplaces to learn about a particular industry.

This was an opportunity "to give our local university students a chance to become members of the Picatinny family for a week, so that they may consider us when it's time to start their careers," said Shahram Dabiri, Picatinny STEM Manager. "That way, we will be able to remain industry leaders due to our amazing and vibrant workforce."

Picatinny's Science Technology, Engineering and Mathematics program, or STEM, hosted the student visit.

"This four day experience is a great chance for these students to be exposed not only to the leading edge of technology but also to Team Picatinny with hopes that they will apply for upcoming vacancies at the introductory level," added Dabiri.

At Picatinny, students worked with mentors to get a glimpse into a potential career by taking on projects that could be completed within the short time frame. The students also had the opportunity to accompany the mentors to meetings and other work-related activities.

"It's been really exciting," said Srujana Sure, a sophomore at Rutgers University who is studying electrical computer engineering. "I was able to see the government's side of engineering and to see how so many different types of engineers come together to build missiles and products that are sent to the Army."

This short-term experience is a developmental tool for students who are unsure in which area of engineering they wish to specialize. These workplace visits allow students to understand what the day- to-day life of a science and engineering job is like. That way, they can determine if they are a "good fit" for a certain career field.

"I grew up using a lot of guns and I thought I knew enough about weapons," said Nicholas Basis, a freshman at Stevens Institute.

"I learned a lot about the process of developing a gun and all of the different things that go into it. I learned that everything can be made better and this is the place to do it. I enjoyed every moment of it."

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The U.S. Army Armament Research, Development and Engineering Center is part of the U.S. Army Research, Development and Engineering Command, which has the mission to ensure decisive overmatch for unified land operations to empower the Army, the joint warfighter and our nation. RDECOM is a major subordinate command of the U.S. Army Materiel Command.

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