Cecil College Magazine 2026 - Magazine - Page 19
Internships have become an essential
part of the college experience, bridging
the gap between classroom learning and
the professional world. While textbooks
and lectures build foundational
knowledge, internships allow students
to apply those concepts in real-world
settings, gaining practical skills that
cannot be learned in theory alone. By
offering hands-on experience, exposure
to workplace culture, and valuable
networking opportunities, internships
play a crucial role in preparing college
students for successful and informed
career paths after graduation. For
some students, like Logan Szewczyk, it
can open pathways into cutting-edge
science.
Szewczyk’s experience started as a
Bioproduction degree major with
a weekly lab internship through Cecil
College, and that experience became the
foundation for a rapidly advancing career
in biotechnology.
Encouraged by a mentor, he applied
for an internship at Aberdeen
Proving Ground through the Army
Educational Outreach Program. That
opportunity, beginning in 2024 and
continuing through October 2025,
allowed him to remain with the Army’s
DEVCOM Chemical Biological Center’s
Biomanufacturing Branch at APG, where
he still works today.
His role includes growing and maintaining biofilm-producing bacteria, formulating
media, processing final products, and analyzing waste and byproducts. The work is
highly technical, team-oriented, and industry-relevant.
These internships helped by giving me
hands-on experience, which connected
the classroom to real-world applications. It
also showed me what it means to work in a
lab space with others by collaborating with
a team.
– Logan Szewczyk
Szewczyk continues to grow his skills through ongoing
training and is pursuing his bachelor’s degree while working
in the field. He credits Cecil College’s strong foundation and
supportive instructors for his smooth transition into federal
laboratory work.
“Cecil College’s program made me feel well prepared through
the coursework and guidance I received. The support helped
me adjust and feel comfortable in my role,” says Szewczyk, who
is now connected with scientists across APG and beyond. He
emphasizes that his internship was a path to opening industry
doors and building a network he relies on today.
Partnerships with organizations such as Aberdeen Proving Ground demonstrate how
deeply communities benefit from engaging with emerging professionals. According
to the U.S. Department of Labor, students who participate in internships report
“stronger early-career earnings, higher confidence, better clarity about their career
goals,” and a greater belief that their education was worth the investment.
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