Externship - Electrical Engineering

Program Overview
This 12-week unpaid externship gives electrical engineering students a structured, behind-the-scenes look at how a public & private sector electrical contractor estimates, manages, and delivers projects. Externs shadow the Electrical Project Engineers and complete guided training exercises designed to build practical skills not taught in the classroom. The program is educational in nature and is structured to complement the extern’s academic coursework.

What You Will Learn and Do

Estimating & Bidding (Training)

• Observe the bid preparation process, including scope review, vendor solicitation, and bid leveling
• Review quantity takeoffs on completed or past bid projects, with review and feedback from the Project Engineer
• Learn to read and understand Division 26, 27 & 28 specifications and identify scope, alternates, and exclusions

Project Management (Observation)

• Shadow the Project Engineer through the submittal, RFI, and change order process
• Attend progress meetings and site walks as an observer
• Review submittals against specifications and drawings

Billing & Compliance (Training)

• Learn how Schedule of Values billing and monthly payment applications are structured on public projects
• Learn the fundamentals of New Jersey and Pennsylvania prevailing wage requirements and certified payroll

Technical Development

• Guided review of single-line diagrams, panel schedules, and MV distribution, generator, and ATS systems on real project drawings
• NEC application sessions tied to current project conditions

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled as a 3rd- or 4th-year student in an ABET-accredited Electrical Engineering (or Electrical & Computer Engineering) program
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Word; Bluebeam Revu and AutoCAD exposure preferred
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation for site visits in NJ and PA
• Ability to wear required PPE and comply with jobsite safety requirements

Program Terms

• Duration: 12 weeks
• Schedule: 20-40 hours per week, scheduled around the extern’s academic commitments. Trainees are on ongoing projects, commitment and attendance is required for a minimum of 3 days every week.
• Compensation: Unpaid. This is an educational externship. No wages are provided, and completion does not guarantee or entitle the extern to paid employment.
• Upon completion: written evaluation and letter of recommendation to the University. Could be subjected to full time employment upon program evaluation & availibility.

Education:

• Bachelor's (Required)

Experience:

• Electrical engineering: 2 years (Required)

Language:

• Fluent English (Required)

Security clearance:

• Confidential (Preferred)

Ability to Commute:

• Piscataway, NJ 08854 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Piscataway, NJ 08854: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Willingness to travel:

• 25% (Preferred)

Work Location: In person