Originally published at basf.com. BASF ranked No. 12 on The Fair360, formerly DiversityInc Top 50 Companies for Diversity list in 2021.
Fourteen engineering students from across the state recently began summer internships at BASF’s site in Geismar, Louisiana.
Throughout the course of the summer, the interns will participate in experiential learning opportunities that allow them to apply their academic knowledge to real-world situations as they are guided by on-site mentors. Beyond working on a range of engineering projects, interns also focus on improving soft skills, including communication, leadership, teamwork, networking and interview skills. Additionally, interns will participate in several community projects, including volunteering at the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank and BASF’s Kids Day event. These opportunities allow them to learn more about BASF’s focus on giving back to the community.
“It is truly an honor to host such bright, promising talent here at our site in Geismar each summer. We are committed to building the future pipeline of talent in our community. These engineering internships allow us an opportunity to both interact with the future workforce and provide them with the necessary on-the-job training,” said Jerry Lebold, Senior Vice President and General Manager of BASF’s Geismar site. “This opportunity gives them an advantage in pursuing their future careers in the coming years.”
BASF hosts interns who are enrolled in mechanical, environmental and chemical engineering courses through their college or university and each intern is assigned responsibilities related to their chosen discipline. Mentors guide students through their projects and provide them with counsel about career opportunities and pathways. Interns also meet with site leadership who share their career experiences in engineering and manufacturing. Site leaders also discuss the importance of diversity, inclusion and equity with the interns.
Summer interns working at BASF in Geismar include:
Louisiana State University
- Anna Katherine Parker, environmental engineering, Baton Rouge. LA
- Brandon Bull, electrical engineering, Denham Springs, LA
- Clay Knight, electrical engineering, Lockport, LA
- Emily Martin, chemical engineering, Baton Rouge, LA
- Justin Nijoka, chemical engineering, Central, LA
- Kathryn Dunphy, chemical engineering, Baton Rouge, LA
- Leah Potylchansky, chemical engineering, Houston, TX
- Marginy Broussard, chemical engineering, St. Amant, LA
- Madeline Lemoine, mechanical engineering, Baton Rouge, LA
- Nathan Gaspard, mechanical engineering, Slidell, LA
- Seth Talbot, chemical engineering, Denham Springs, LA
- Zachary Delcambre, mechanical engineering, Lafayette, LA
Louisiana Tech University
- Cle Sanchez, mechanical engineering, Gonzales, LA
University of Louisiana at Lafayette
- Cordell Portwood, mechanical engineering, Baton Rouge, LA
The summer internship program is part of BASF’s local workforce development efforts to attract and retain top, diverse talent. Summer 2021 interns will work with BASF through early August.
BASF continues to take steps to ensure the safety of interns as they participate in on-site activities. Efforts adhering to current Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance regarding COVID-19 include mask-wearing, social distancing, sanitization, encouragement to consider vaccination and more.
Internships for engineering students typically take place in the summer, and the application period runs through the fall and early spring. Engineering students from any four-year university can apply.
For more information about BASF in Louisiana, visit www.basf.us/la.
