�鶹��Ժ

Sumedh Deshpande is a CU Boulder graduate student studying Electrical and Electronics Engineering who is gaining internship experience with Schweitzer Engineering Labs while authorized for Curricular Practical Training (CPT), an off-campus work authorization for students in F-1 status. 

When ISSS asked Sumedh about his role and responsibilities with Schweitzer Engineering Labs, he describes that he works on various projects related to power systems protection. His work includes fault calculation studies, power flow studies, power system analysis, etc. Most of the projects are for electrical utility companies like Xcel Energy, California PG&E, Duke Energy, AEP, etc.  

“Our company is a leading manufacturing firm for microprocessor-based numerical relays. My duties are to design safe and reliable electrical power systems with these relays in order to protect whole systems and to keep lights on,” he explained. 

Sumedh’s additional responsibilities include creating settings for relays and doing power flow analysis and fault calculation studies.

ISSS asked Sumedh about his continuing internship experience and how it has allowed him to gain practical training in the field of Electrical and Electronics Engineering. Sumedh explained, “This internship gave me a lot of hands-on experience and practical knowledge since we are dealing with end customers and utility companies that are facing several issues for reliability and security concerns. I am pursuing my master's in Electrical Engineering with specialization in Next Generation Power & Energy Systems, and from this internship, I am learning new things and how theoretical knowledge gets applied in the real world while increasing my skill set and technical knowledge. I am also learning the managerial aspect of work as well.” 

Before he could begin work for Schweitzer Engineering Labs, Sumedh had to do his research. When ISSS asked about the process of finding an internship, he explained how he had to apply to hundreds of companies, expand his professional network, ask seniors for referrals, attend career fairs, and be active on LinkedIn. Before starting the CPT process, Sumedh wished he had known the following:

• How to build a resume 
• How to approach companies and recruiters 
• And had more hands-on experience on various devices or technologies in the academic labs. 

CU Boulder Career Services is a good resource for helping with building resumes and approaching companies about job prospects. Career Services can aid students to prepare for the internship application process, understand U.S. work culture, and make connections with potential internship employers.

Despite these initial challenges, Sumedh was offered an internship position, and has had the opportunity to continue his practical training with the company beyond one semester. 

“This is one of the best companies anyone can work for. The work culture, diversity, and intelligent people make the workplace even better. From this internship, I think I have gained immense knowledge and working with work-life balance is one of the best things I am enjoying,” Sumedh said.

When asked what advice he would give to a student applying for internships and CPT authorization, Sumedh said, …"not to hesitate to ask for any help whether to your seniors, grad advisors, faculty members, or your professors. Build your resume and cover letters properly, you can get help from Career S on campus and can ask your mentors to help you with that. Expand your network by communicating with different people and learning new things that can improve your skill sets. For CPT authorization and any questions related to work or internships, schedule a meeting with ISSS advisors and they will help you in all way they can.” 

ISSS wishes Sumedh success in his continuing internship experience and future studies! We also wish to see more students in F-1 status participate in practical training opportunities that may be available to them and encourage all students to visit ISSS advising services with questions. ISSS also has a new resource, a 9 Steps for CPT Authorization that simplifies the process, be sure to check it out!

If you’d like to be featured in our CPT Spotlight Series in the future, please fill out .