Classrooms to Careers: Gentex interns shape company

Isabelle Buckler and her design teammates at Gentex focused on user-testing products to develop iconography and create additional graphics.

Buckler, a senior at Kendall College of Art and Design of Ferris State University, channeled her classroom experience into her role as a user experience intern this summer. 
Courtesy Gentex Corp.This summer, Gentex employed 135 interns from 23 colleges and universities, 14 states, and three different countries.

Combining the user-centered design principles she learned in collaborative design with the skills she gained during her internship, she hopes to develop accessible infotainment systems for drivers.

Gentex has one of the most robust internship programs in West Michigan. This summer, the company employed 135 interns from 23 colleges and universities, 14 states, and three different countries.

“They learn this by working on great cross-functional projects and by meeting with different departments throughout the summer,” says Daniel Quintanilla, director of Gentex’s talent program. “The intern showcase at the end of the summer is a great way for them to show off their work and to meet other area managers.”

But it is also important for Gentex interns to experience West Michigan, Quintanilla says.

Courtesy Gentex Corp.Gentex internships include community events such as volunteering with Habitat for Humanity.

“It is important for the intern, especially if they are not local, to see West Michigan and to understand how great it is to live and work here when they graduate,” he says. “We do this with multiple events at local parks and by providing an opportunity for the interns to volunteer with Lakeshore Habitat for Humanity together.”

The program is a pathway to real jobs with the company, giving interns a solid understanding of what it would be like to work at Gentex and to live in West Michigan. 

Network, network, network

Buckler encourages fellow students to engage professors with industry contacts that can open doors. She said much of the design industry revolves around networking, so students should take advantage of the connections they make in class.

“My advice for others seeking internships would be to talk to your professors and advocate for yourself,” Buckler said.

Buckler is learning the value of collaboration during her internship as she begins to look ahead to the job market. 

Relationships helped shape her internship opportunity. Buckler received an invitation to participate in a portfolio review, which put her in contact with hiring companies.

“Without that connection, I would not have had the opportunity to apply,” Buckler said.

The internship program equally benefits the company and the students.

“The end benefit is bringing in great talent from all over the world to show them why Gentex employees love where they work,” Quintanilla says.