As graduation approached, Nil Patel, a computer engineering technology major at Kent State's College of Aeronautics and Engineering, recognized a crucial challenge: most IT positions require 1–2 years of professional experience. Rather than seeing this as an obstacle, Nil saw it as an opportunity to bridge classroom learning with practical application.
This past summer, Nil served as a Service Desk Level I Intern at , a company that owns and manages multiple brands including Applebee's, Wendy's, Panera, Taco Bell, Planet Fitness, and Arby's. In this role, Nil provided customer service and technical support across the group's numerous locations, developing essential skills that transformed his career trajectory.
"Communication and speaking skills are very important in this field," Nil reflects. The internship challenged him to collaborate more effectively with team members while deepening his knowledge of networking hardware and software technology. But beyond technical skills, Nil discovered something equally valuable: the power of mentorship and professional relationships.
The director of cyber security and the director of IT became invaluable mentors, sharing knowledge and career guidance that extended beyond Nil's daily responsibilities. His supervisor offered recommendations on career trajectory and even taught him about website development. "The leadership team is super helpful whenever I've reached out for assistance," Nil shares. "The goal setting in my company has been personalized to each employee, and the personal touch of their structured communication and culture is impressive."
Nil's path to this experience exemplifies the importance of networking—advice he now eagerly shares with fellow students. He secured the internship through a family friend who forwarded his resumé to a director. This connection, combined with his proactive approach to professional development, opened doors. The director of cyber security even mentioned specific skills and traits he looked for in ideal candidates, which inspired Nil to enroll in the through the Kent State Career Development Department.
The experience taught Nil to be more open-minded and adaptable. "This internship is nuanced with many different problems I encounter on a day-to-day basis," he explains. "Having the ability to pivot from one problem-solving technique to another has allowed me to succeed in my role." This real-world application of his academic foundation demonstrates Kent State's commitment to developing in-demand, career-ready graduates equipped with both technical expertise and professional agility.
Perhaps most meaningful to Nil has been the relationships he's built. "I've found friends at my internship that extend beyond the typical 9-5 workday," he notes. These connections represent more than networking opportunities—they're the foundation of a professional community that will support him throughout his career.
As Nil prepares to leverage this experience in his résumé and future job applications, he embodies CAE’s motto: Dare Mighty Things. By seeking real-world experience, embracing challenges, and building meaningful professional relationships, Nil has positioned himself for success in tomorrow's global workforce.
The College of Aeronautics and Engineering connects students with meaningful internship experiences through industry partnerships and dedicated career support. To learn more about internship opportunities or to partner with CAE, contact Steven Nowinski, Employer Engagement and Internship Manager, at snowinsk@kent.edu or visit www.kent.edu/cae/careerservices.