Content sponsored by Winnebago Industries
Kampgrounds of America (KOA) recently shared 65% of campers feel camping is more affordable than hotels or air travel, according to its North American Camping and Outdoor Hospitality report.
As outdoor recreation grows, so do career opportunities and internship programs in this field. The internship programs are designed to attract students and provide an early, positive employment experience and strengthen talent pathways, leading to more inclusive and diverse workplaces.
As part of our commitment to build and develop a pipeline of future talent, Winnebago Industries – a leading North American manufacturer of outdoor lifestyle products under the Winnebago, Grand Design, Chris-Craft, Newmar and Barletta brands – has an active student intern program.
This year, we’re excited to host multiple female engineering interns, three of whom we’ve asked to share more about their work.
Libby O’Brien – Engineering/Interior Design Intern, Grand Design
Libby is designing cabinet layouts for Grand Design’s Solitude travel trailer.
“Working at Grand Design has given me the opportunity to use the things I’m learning at school in a real-world environment. They have given me a lot more responsibility than I thought I’d have as an intern, and I’ve had fun producing new ideas and features for the Solitude.
As an industrial design student, I was looking to gain experience in product design. Grand Design is letting me work on both engineering and interior design projects this summer, which gives me the privilege of doing design work for the unit from start to finish.”
Ashley Larson – Manufacturing Engineering Intern, Winnebago
Ashley is working on a standard operating procedure for the Water Waste Treatment System.
“During my internship so far, I’ve been interested in how Winnebago develops ideas and how employees come together with those ideas to create the perfect solution to the challenges they are faced with.
I am impressed by the ability of work and knowledge of the Winnebago employees, and I have worked alongside multiple individuals who have demonstrated what needs to be done during the process of treating water, ensuring our water is within our limits for safe discharge.
Being in a professional environment through this internship has allowed me to have more flexibility and freedom of ideas when assigned projects. Everyone I have connected with has been helpful and excited to answer any questions I may have; this atmosphere has been easy to adapt to due to how welcoming the employees are!”
Haley Young – Electrical Engineering Intern, Chris-Craft
Haley has been working on electrical drawings and evaluating and solving engineering problems as they arise.
“Working in a professional environment is a lot different than my typical academic environment. Overall, the biggest difference is that this professional environment is always a team effort.
It takes constant communication between all the engineers to produce the best boats on the market in a timely manner. The engineers here think of every detail that could impact the final product and do everything they can to make sure Chris-Craft boats are remarkably high quality and appealing to boaters.
I’ve been boating my entire life, and learning about how boats work has always intrigued me. My goal in finding the right internship was to learn how to apply the skills I have learned in school while doing something I’m passionate about.
Interning at Chris-Craft has given me a deeper understanding of how boats work and how they’re made. I’ve enjoyed meeting different people from all over the country and forming relationships with my coworkers.”
We wish our interns continued success as they finish school and begin their future careers. To learn more about internship opportunities at any of our iconic brands, visit winnebagoind.com/careers
