Discovering the Future: My Journey as an Intern at Battelle

On National Intern Day, I've been given the chance to discuss my experience as a Digital Marketing intern and share insights from colleagues about working at the world’s largest independent, nonprofit research and development organization.  If you’re considering an internship that will challenge you, expand your horizons, and allow you to contribute to world-changing projects, here’s why I think Battelle is the perfect place for you.  

A World of Opportunities:  

My internship at Battelle has been nothing short of amazing. For nearly 100 years, Battelle has been on a mission to use science for the benefit of society. Many people who work at Battelle are there because of this mission.  This means interns aren’t bystanders; we contribute to projects that tackle real-world problems. Scientific work here at Battelle is as diverse as it is impactful. You’re also surrounded by some of the brightest minds in the country, mentors who are genuinely interested in your professional growth and are eager to share their knowledge.  

Learning by Doing at Battelle:  

The learning curve is steep but incredibly rewarding. As a digital marketing intern, I was quickly immersed in a variety of tasks that challenged me but are teaching me lifelong skills. One of the highlights of my internship has been the collaborative culture. Battelle fosters a team-oriented environment where every idea is valued, and every question is an opportunity for learning. This collaborative spirit transcends all levels of the organization, creating a welcoming atmosphere for interns to voice their ideas and take initiative.  

Beyond the Desk:  

Battelle understands the importance of a well-rounded internship experience. There are numerous intern events, from networking dinners to team-building activities, all designed to enhance personal and professional development. These events are not only fun but also a great way to connect with people from different departments, expanding your understanding of the different paths you can explore within the company.  

Looking Ahead:  

As my internship at Battelle draws to a close, I find myself reflecting on the lessons learned and connections I’ve made. This experience has not only shaped my career aspirations but has also left me with a serious appreciation for the role of science and technology in solving global challenges. The opportunities for growth, learning, and making an impact are boundless. Whether you’re a scientist, an aspiring engineer, or a creative marketer, Battelle is a place where you can thrive and contribute to exciting, meaningful projects.  

Now that you’ve heard about my experience as an intern at Battelle, let me introduce you to some other interns working at the company! 

Olivia Marrero 

Environment and Climate Intern (Columbus)  

University: Ohio State University  

Hometown: Massillon, Ohio  

Major: Environmental Molecular Science, Geochemistry, and Hydrogeology  

How does Battelle support your professional growth and learning during the internship?  

“I receive guidance when I need it, but my managers give me freedom to learn, explore, and make mistakes. I have had a really great experience, and it has made an industry position seem less scary and more attainable.” 

What are your top three takeaways from your internship experience at Battelle?  

“First, don’t be afraid to reach out for help. Asking for help saves everyone time in the long run and allows you to learn more. Second, learning how to work well with other entities (companies, organizations, agencies) is imperative for reaching shared goals. Third, take the time to learn the foundational skills or knowledge. It will help you in the long run.” 

Andrew Kelly 

Software Engineering Intern (Remote) 

University: Morgan State University 

Hometown: Calvert, MD 

Major: Computer Science 

Why did you choose to intern at Battelle?  

“I chose to intern at Battelle because I would have the opportunity to work with artificial intelligence and machine learning. A lot of other companies don’t give undergraduates the chance to do this, so I’m very thankful my manager believed in me to do so.” 

How do you think your internship experience at Battelle will help you in your future career? 

“My internship at Battelle will definitely help me in my career because I learned new concepts as well as further refining skills I currently have. I was also introduced to how a software engineering team operates on a day-to-day basis.” 

How does Battelle support your professional growth and learning during the internship? 

“Battelle has supported my learning by actually giving me the chance to learn languages and technologies early on such as SQL and C#. I was also given the chance to read papers in depth and learn about the technologies before jumping right into them. Battelle has given me the chance to grow professionally by hosting weekly workshops as well as giving me the opportunity to present my project to all of Battelle.” 

Nicole Miller 

Environment and Agriculture Intern (Norwell, MA) 

University: Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) 

Hometown: Hanover, MA 

Major: BS Biology/Biotechnology, MS Biotechnology 

How do you think your internship experience at Battelle will help you in your future career?  

“I want to pursue a career in research, so having the hands-on laboratory experience that I’m gaining here will be invaluable. Plus, it has helped me with my time management skills and personal skills.” 

What has been your favorite moment or event during your internship so far?  

“I really enjoy spending time in the lab when we have music going. It is so much fun to do something that you enjoy doing while everyone else around you is doing the exact same thing and singing along.”