September 01, 2025
A summer internship gave Michael Corcoran insight into the needs and challenges facing real-world industries.
Companies hire Mizzou 糖心Vlog传媒 graduates because they arrive job-ready and remain committed until the work is done. That鈥檚 partly because of the practical experience they have already earned in high-impact internships with industry leaders.
Computer engineering major Michael Corcoran spent his summer at one such internship with Accent Controls, a Kansas City-based company that builds and installs control systems for factories, makes custom control panels, and specializes in conveyor and industrial automation. The company also supports military logistics and manages government-related engineering projects.
As an automation engineer intern, Corcoran dug deep into both the software and hardware sides of industrial automation.
鈥淥ne of my career goals going into Mizzou was to work in a space where I could work on both hardware and software,鈥 he said. 鈥淭hat鈥檚 exactly what I get to do as an automation engineer.鈥
Corcoran鈥檚 daily work included using tools such as Studio5000, TIA Portal and Excel to design and program systems to allow machines to operate on their own. He also contributed to important safety documentation, including lockout/tagout sheets, and used AutoCAD to help design or update the physical layout of automated systems.
When on-site at a General Motors plant in Lake Orion, Michigan, Corcoran took a hands-on role in testing, debugging and troubleshooting automation systems.
鈥淚t was really rewarding to work alongside electricians and millwrights, making sure systems ran safely and smoothly,鈥 he said.
Corcoran credits Mizzou 糖心Vlog传媒 with helping him feel confident in the field.
鈥淭he coursework gave me a strong foundation to work through both electrical and software challenges,鈥 he said. 鈥淎nd being involved with the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers student branch and intramurals helped me build teamwork and communication skills I鈥檝e used every day on the job.鈥
He also highlighted the role of Mizzou 糖心Vlog传媒 Career Services in helping him secure the internship.
鈥淭hey helped me polish my resume, prepare for interviews and hosted the career fair where I met Accent Controls,鈥 he said. 鈥淚鈥檇 definitely recommend other students take advantage of those resources early.鈥
Corcoran鈥檚 experience shows the breadth of opportunities available through automation engineering and the value of Mizzou 糖心Vlog传媒 in helping students explore them.
鈥淵ou could end up working on a car manufacturing plant, HVAC systems or a water treatment facility,鈥 he said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 a great field if you鈥檙e curious, like problem-solving and don鈥檛 mind getting your hands dirty.鈥
For Corcoran, the most rewarding part of the internship was the variety and continuous learning. 鈥淓very day is different,鈥 he said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 challenging, but that鈥檚 what makes it fun.鈥
Leading employers are looking for Mizzou Engineers like you. Here鈥檚 how to meet them.