FAQ

Interns‎ > ‎

Can I work on campus during the summer?: Students typically work full-time at their sponsor company’s facility during the summer. Exceptions may be made with your sponsor company’s approval.

How will this differentiate me?: In addition to our highly practical engineering methodology mentoring, you will learn communication, presentation, planning, interaction, self-critique, leadership, mentoring, and constructive criticism skills. All of these additional experiences will be apparent as you interview with potential employers.

How many hours do I work?: Undergraduates typically work 10 hours weekly and graduate students typically work 20 hours weekly. When classes are out of session, you can work up to 40 hours weekly. The schedule is flexible to allow for your big assignments and exams.

How many students do you host?: The number of students enrolled in the program fluctuates depending on the number of companies participating and the number of students they choose to enroll.

How do I get an internship at Prairiefire?: Prairiefire does not offer internships. Instead, after you get an internship at another company, we are here to help you continue to work with that company while attending classes.

How do I get into the program?: Contact Prairiefire as soon as possible, and we will help your summer internship employer offer the program to you.

Do I work for Prairiefire?: No. You are directly employed by the sponsor company at all times, even when hosted at Prairiefire’s on-campus facility.

Who pays me?: You are employed and paid by your sponsor company, even while being hosted at Prairiefire’s on-campus facility.

Why should I keep working for one company when I could get different experiences at a new summer internship?: Instead of being just another summer intern at a few companies, you are uniquely qualified and experienced because of this extended work with your sponsor company. This program increases your odds of a job at your sponsor company from 17% to 82%. In the rare case that you aren’t hired at your sponsor company after graduation, your experience with long term and substantial projects will set you apart in your job hunt.

When do I have to work? When can I work?: With Prairiefire’s secure card-access facility, students can work on-campus at any time of day, including weekends. You typically set a fixed weekly schedule, first allowing for your classes, then based on times that work best for your sponsor company.

How flexible are the work hours?: Extremely! Students work at all times of the day and night as their schedule permits. Some of your hours must overlap with your company and Prairiefire’s business hours maintain efficient work conditions. The details vary based on sponsor company and project, but we have never had a problem with students not being available enough during business hours, even with very full class schedules.

Why is Prairiefire telling this to me instead of my company?: You and your fellow students earn internship positions at so many companies, we can’t possibly contact them all. We need to hear from you directly about your best internships so that we can prioritize who we contact about the hosting program.

Can my employer sign up?: If you are a University of Illinois student and your employer hired you as a summer intern, then they are eligible to become a sponsor company and continue working with you and your fellow interns throughout the school year. (Please see: What Engineering majors do you support?

What Engineering majors do you support?: Prairiefire supports Mechanical, Agricultural, TAM, Bio, General, Aeronautical, Civil, Physics, Industrial, CS, and Nuclear Engineers.

Why does Prairiefire provide this service?: Prairiefire engineers have benefited greatly from mentoring programs, and we want to pay it forward to the next generation.

Why would I want to do this instead of a regular internship?: Why wouldn’t you?!
Working during the school year breaks up the monotony of studying constantly on topics you never know if you will use again, and with career relevant projects you get to see the application of your studies in industry as you learn.
This program is an opportunity to test what you think you want to do for many years after graduation. Ten-week summer internships do not provide the same level of understanding what it will mean to be an engineer at your sponsor company; being involved year round lets you plan career goals earlier in your studies.
It also offers you a good paying part time job that is relevant to your career. Our metrics show you will be 3-4 years of equivalent experience ahead of your peers in engineering methods and industry knowledge by the time you graduate.
Finally, Freshman and Sophomores have reduced chances at traditional summer internships; with this program, younger students provide greater benefits to the company through continued involvement of the same students over multiple years. Engaging early draws the great internships to the program, and the longer you are in the program the more everyone benefits.

Why should I work during the school year?: As a hosted intern, you will have a part time job that is relevant to your future career, you will forge a special relationship with your sponsor company and greatly increase your chances of being hired as a full time engineer, and you will learn more in school by having real engineering problems to test your skills.