Computer Engineering Internship

Course Description

CET 2940 — Computer Engineering Internship is a 1-credit, work-based learning course within the Engineering Technologies › Computer Engineering Technology taxonomy of Florida's Statewide Course Numbering System (SCNS). Students are placed in an approved industry site where they apply computer engineering technology knowledge and skills in a real-world professional environment. The course integrates supervised, on-the-job experience with academic reflection activities, bridging classroom theory and professional practice in areas such as hardware systems, embedded systems, networking, software support, and technical troubleshooting. The course is graded on a Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory (S/U) basis and requires a minimum number of documented internship hours, typically 80–100 hours per credit, as determined by the host institution.

Learning Outcomes

Required Outcomes

• Demonstrate the ability to apply computer engineering technology skills and knowledge in an approved professional or industry setting.
• Exhibit professional workplace behaviors including punctuality, communication, teamwork, and ethical conduct consistent with industry standards.
• Document internship activities through submission of regular (weekly) work logs and a formal internship experience paper or portfolio.
• Identify and describe the organizational structure, mission, and operations of the host employer within the technology sector.
• Demonstrate growth in technical competency relevant to the Computer Engineering Technology program as evaluated by the site supervisor.

Optional Outcomes

• Apply hardware troubleshooting, configuration, or maintenance skills in a production or support environment.
• Participate in software development, testing, or integration tasks aligned with program coursework.
• Contribute to embedded systems, networking, or cybersecurity projects under professional supervision.
• Demonstrate the ability to read, interpret, and produce technical documentation (schematics, work orders, reports) used in the workplace.
• Reflect on career goals and professional development needs based on the internship experience.

Major Topics

Required Topics

• Workplace Orientation and Professional Conduct — Introduction to employer policies, safety procedures, chain of command, and professional ethics in a technology workplace.
• Supervised On-the-Job Technical Work — Performance of computer engineering technology tasks (hardware, software, networking, or systems support) under employer and faculty supervision for a minimum number of documented hours.
• Weekly Work Log Documentation — Ongoing written documentation of daily and weekly activities, tasks performed, skills applied, and lessons learned.
• Internship Experience Paper / Final Report — A formal written reflection describing the internship experience, skills gained, challenges encountered, and connections to program coursework.
• Employer Performance Evaluation — A mid-point and/or final evaluation completed by the site supervisor assessing the student's technical skills, professionalism, and overall performance.

Optional Topics

• Hardware Installation and Maintenance — Assembly, configuration, and troubleshooting of computer systems, peripherals, or embedded hardware components.
• Software Support and Deployment — Installation, testing, or maintenance of software applications and operating systems in a professional environment.
• Networking and Infrastructure Support — Assistance with LAN/WAN configuration, network monitoring, or infrastructure maintenance tasks.
• Embedded or IoT Systems Work — Practical tasks involving microcontrollers, PLCs, sensors, or IoT devices in manufacturing, logistics, or R&D settings.
• Technical Documentation and Reporting — Creation or revision of technical manuals, SOPs, schematics, or system documentation as assigned by the employer.
• Career Reflection and Goal Setting — A structured exercise or seminar connecting internship experience to long-term professional development and career planning.

Resources & Tools

• Handshake or Institutional Career Portal — Used for internship site approval, experience form submission, and supervisor contact management.
• Weekly Log Templates — Institution-provided forms for documenting daily/weekly tasks, hours worked, and skills applied.
• Learning Management System (LMS) — Canvas, Blackboard, or equivalent platform for submitting logs, assignments, and communicating with the faculty coordinator.
• Employer Evaluation Forms — Standardized rubrics completed by the site supervisor at mid-term and/or end of semester.
• Florida Board of Professional Engineers (FBPE) Resources — Background information on the Engineer Intern (EI) pathway and the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam for students planning to pursue licensure.
• BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook — Reference for career research, salary data, and job outlook in computer and information technology occupations.

Career Pathways

CET 2940 provides foundational professional experience applicable to a wide range of entry-level and mid-level roles in Florida's high-tech industry corridor. Typical career pathways for Computer Engineering Technology graduates include:

• Computer Hardware Technician — Installation, maintenance, and repair of computer equipment for businesses and government agencies.
• IT Support Specialist / Help Desk Analyst — Technical support for hardware, software, and network issues in corporate or institutional environments.
• Embedded Systems Technician — Support and testing of embedded controllers, PLCs, and IoT devices in manufacturing, aerospace, or defense sectors.
• Network Support Technician — Installation and maintenance of LAN/WAN infrastructure for commercial and government clients.
• Systems Integration Technician — Assembly, testing, and documentation of integrated hardware/software systems for technology companies.
• Cybersecurity Support Analyst — Entry-level monitoring and incident response support within a security operations environment.

Florida's technology sector — including the Space Coast, Central Florida's I-4 high-tech corridor, and Northwest Florida's defense and aerospace industry — provides robust internship and employment opportunities for Computer Engineering Technology graduates. Completion of this internship course frequently leads to full-time employment offers from the internship employer.

Special Information

Internship Site Approval: Students must secure an internship position at an employer site approved by the program coordinator prior to enrollment. Students may use a current job as an internship site if the position involves duties directly related to computer engineering technology.

Hour Requirements: Florida college internship courses at the 1-credit level typically require a minimum of 80–100 documented on-site work hours during the enrolled semester, consistent with SCNS internship course conventions and comparable offerings such as those at Eastern Florida State College and Northwest Florida State College.

Grading: The course is graded on a Satisfactory (S) / Unsatisfactory (U) basis. A Satisfactory grade requires completion of all required hours, submission of all logs and the final experience paper, and a satisfactory employer evaluation.

Engineer Intern (EI) Pathway: Students planning to pursue professional engineering licensure in Florida should note that, after earning an ABET-accredited degree and passing the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam, they may apply for Engineer Intern certification through the Florida Board of Professional Engineers (FBPE). Internship experience documented through this course supports that professional development pathway.

Transfer Notice: Per Florida SCNS policy, internship courses (x940 series) are not automatically transferable between institutions and must be evaluated individually by the receiving institution.