For many college students, an internship is a chance to gain experience, explore a career, and add a line to a résumé. At POET, it’s also an opportunity to become part of a team, contribute to meaningful projects, and learn from people who are invested in their growth.
This summer, 41 interns had the chance to gain hands-on experience across POET, working alongside team members in a variety of roles and departments. Each intern was paired with a mentor who provided guidance, answered questions, and helped them make the most of their experience.
For Karaline Scott, the internship offered a chance to see firsthand the many moving parts behind POET’s operations.
“It provided a lot of really cool experiences, ranging from support to documentation to permitting — all kinds of things. It was really fun!” she said.
Just as important as the work itself, Scott said, was the opportunity to feel like a genuine member of the organization.
“I think the thing that surprised me the most is just how involved [POET has] their interns in projects and company culture. I truly felt like a part of the team,” she said. “I never once felt like I was the intern who was doing menial tasks just to get by and stay busy throughout the day. I really felt like a part of the culture.”
2026 POET Interns and Intern Program Coordinators
That sense of ownership is intentional. Interns are encouraged to take on projects that challenge them, build new skills, and give them a better understanding of the work they could pursue after graduation.
Lily Knopp said one of the most valuable parts of her experience was having both independence and support.
“It was really nice to have an independent project where I could work on critical thinking and developing research skills, but also have a mentor to guide me through it,” she said.
For Wendy Alexander, Team Member Experience Partner and manager of POET’s internship program, working with interns is just as rewarding for her as it is for the students.
“When you work with someone early in their career, you have an opportunity to impact far more than what they accomplish during those 10 or 12 weeks, said Alexander. "Sometimes it’s as simple as giving them the confidence to take on something difficult or telling them, ‘You’re really good at this.’ Those moments may seem small to us, but to a 20-year-old trying to figure out where they fit in the world, they can be huge.”
POET Talent Strategy Director Lisa Reddick, who also helps lead the internship program from POET’s Wichita office, said the experience is about creating a strong foundation for both the interns and the company’s future.
“Our internship program gives students the opportunity to learn by doing, build relationships, and discover where their talents can take them,” Reddick said. “At the same time, we get to invest in the next generation of talent and introduce them to the people, purpose, and culture that make POET such a unique place to build a career.”
The relationships built during an internship can extend well beyond the summer. Interns leave with new skills, professional connections, and a clearer picture of what they want their future to look like. For POET, the program is another way to develop talented people and strengthen the communities where team members live and work.
For students interested in exploring opportunities at POET, learn more about the internship program at POET.com/interns.
