To become a leader in your field of interest, turning classroom knowledge into real-world experience is vital to success. Close to 90% of employers responding to the National Association of Colleges and Employers Job Outlook 2024 survey indicated they are seeking evidence of a student’s ability to solve problems and nearly 80% are seeking candidates who have strong teamwork skills. At least two-thirds of employers also report looking for a strong work ethic, written and verbal communication skills, and flexibility/adaptability.

At the Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources at WVU, students can find countless opportunities to do just that. With strong industry connections, the Statler College offers internships and co-op experiences that put you at the front of the field. You won't just learn about engineering — you will live it by working on real projects and building a network to support you long after graduation. Whether developing new technologies or tackling societal challenges, your experiences at the Statler College will shape you into a well-rounded engineer.

Beyond the classroom, the Statler College encourages students from its 15 undergraduate engineering and computer science programmes to engage in student organizations and competition teams. From the Society of Women Engineers to the Experimental Rocketry Team, you can solve real engineering problems, develop leadership skills, and showcase your abilities on both national and international stages.

At the Statler College, you're preparing for a future where you'll thrive as a leader and innovator.

Real-world experiences that give you a headstart

Communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills are crucial for career success in the 21st century. According to the LinkedIn Global Talent Trends report, 92% of companies agree that hiring candidates with soft skills is becoming increasingly important. And while learning these skills can take a lot of time and effort, research shows that participating in competition teams can help.

At the Statler College, student competition teams are key to the school's efforts in facilitating learning outside of the classroom. The college encourages students to team up with their peers and join engineering competitions across various industries, from automotive design to structural engineering.  As trained competitors, students can test their skills, creativity, and ability to work with others while using what they've learned in class to solve actual problems.

One example is where WVU's robotics team used their knowledge in robotics, mechanical engineering, electronics, and software development to build a rover that can survive a simulated Mars environment. Through this challenge, students gain a deep understanding of systems engineering and problem-solving under pressure earning the team a world champion title in 2023.

Another example is the university's two-time international and five-time national champion WVU Mine Rescue Team. The team competes in rescue competitions, navigating through a simulated mine, locating and rescuing victims, and more. But beyond honing technical skills and practical knowledge, being part of the team instils a strong sense of responsibility and a deep commitment to safety. By participating in these competitions, students not only sharpen their engineering skills but also play a role in advancing safety standards in the mining industry.

Student competition teams

Want to solve the world's biggest challenges? At Statler College, undergraduate research is a chance for students to work alongside experts on projects that could change the world. They span robotics, aerospace, civil engineering, energy systems and many others.

As an R1-classified institution, WVU’s research ranks among the nation's elite, on par with Harvard, Yale, and Columbia University. Students can trust that they'll be learning how to create new knowledge from some of the country’s best minds and within state-of-the-art laboratories.

However, support doesn't stop there; the school offers many initiatives and resources that help undergraduate researchers, where faculty mentors guide students through complex research challenges. What’s more, students can present their work at the` , during which they can receive constructive feedback and network with peers and industry professionals.

All in all, the Statler College's focus on experiential learning not only prepares students for their future careers but also fuels their motivation as they see the real-world impact of their work. Their research experiences can lead to publications, patents, and recognitions that enhance their resume, opening doors to a greater variety of opportunities.

Undergraduate research

Your learning experience at WVU does not stop in classrooms. Here, you are encouraged to join student organisations where you will have the opportunity to not only network and connect with your peers but also gain hands-on learning and leadership skills that are essential for your professional development. These student organisations regularly hold meetings, workshops, and guest lectures, as well as invite faculty members, alumni, and specialists with whom you can interact to seek pieces of advice and industry inside scoops.

There are exactly 50 student organisations here. The Design, Build, Fly Club attracts students from various majors to design, fabricate, and fly unmanned, electric-powered, radio-controlled aircraft and compete in the annual Design/Build/Fly Competition by the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA). CyberWVU is all about cybersecurity and open-source software where participants compete in multiple contests throughout the year. The Experimental Rocketry team designs, fabricates, and flies high-powered rockets, taking their work to the national and international level including in the Annual Spaceport America Cup and the Annual Intercollegiate Rocket Engineering Competition.

Alongside these technical and competitive organisations, there are clubs that focus more on community service and outreach. The National Society of Black Engineers aims to increase the number of African American engineers who excel academically and professionally, bringing a positive impact to the community. Engineers Without Borders’s mission is to come up with innovative and sustainable solutions to real-world engineering both locally and internationally. The Society of Women Engineers unites women and other diverse groups to achieve their full potential in their careers as engineers and leaders.

Student organisations

For those seeking real-world experience, the Statler College allows you test your capabilities in a professional setting through co-ops and internship opportunities. These out-of-the-classroom experiences expand your network and expose you to job opportunities whether in the sector, government agencies, higher education, or research and development.

The co-op programme here allows students to obtain professional employment experience and earn a paycheck while pursuing their undergraduate degree. Alternating between full-time study and paid full-time employment, you can choose to work nationally or abroad for a wide range of university partner companies and fuse classroom learning with practical professional know-how. This Cooperative Education programme is nationally accredited, boosting your chances to be recruited as a graduate.

Those who want to work short term can opt for the internship programme instead. Every semester, WVU offers a STEM Career and Internship Fair for you to network and select companies that best match your career goals. An expansive range of companies participate in the fair, from fields of chemistry, construction, cybersecurity, engineering, energy, healthcare, IT, software development, robotics,  supply chain, and many more. Internship opportunities at these companies allow you to gain experience in industry and help develop the skills most important to your future career.

Co-ops and internships

Hear from the students

an enriching education awaits you at THE WVU Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources