Cle Sanchez, a mechanical engineering major at Louisiana Tech, will complete a summer internship with the international chemical company BASF, allowing her to work on projects that will help launch her career after graduation.

Throughout the course of the summer, the interns will participate in experiential learning opportunities that allow them to apply their academic knowledge to real-world situations as they are guided by on-site mentors. Beyond working on a range of engineering projects, interns also focus on improving soft skills, including communication, leadership, teamwork, networking and interview skills. Additionally, interns will participate in several community projects, including volunteering at the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank and BASF’s Kids Day event. These opportunities allow them to learn more about BASF’s focus on giving back to the community.

“It is truly an honor to host such bright, promising talent here at our site in Geismar each summer. We are committed to building the future pipeline of talent in our community. These engineering internships allow us an opportunity to both interact with the future workforce and provide them with the necessary on-the-job training,” said Jerry Lebold, Senior Vice President and General Manager of BASF’s Geismar site. “This opportunity gives them an advantage in pursuing their future careers in the coming years.”

BASF hosts interns who are enrolled in mechanical, environmental and chemical engineering courses through their college or university, and each intern is assigned responsibilities related to their chosen discipline. Mentors guide students through their projects and provide them with counsel about career opportunities and pathways. Interns also meet with site leadership who share their career experiences in engineering and manufacturing. Site leaders also discuss the importance of diversity, inclusion and equity with the interns.

The summer internship program is part of BASF’s local workforce development efforts to attract and retain top, diverse talent. Summer 2021 interns will work with BASF through early August.

For more information about BASF in Louisiana, visit basf.us/la.