September 01, 2025
A summer internship gave Michael Corcoran insight into the needs and challenges facing real-world industries.
Companies hire Mizzou Engineering graduates because they arrive job-ready and remain committed until the work is done. That’s partly because of the practical experience they have already earned in high-impact internships with industry leaders.
Computer engineering major Michael Corcoran spent his summer at one such internship with Accent Controls, a Kansas City-based company that builds and installs control systems for factories, makes custom control panels, and specializes in conveyor and industrial automation. The company also supports military logistics and manages government-related engineering projects.
As an automation engineer intern, Corcoran dug deep into both the software and hardware sides of industrial automation.
“One of my career goals going into Mizzou was to work in a space where I could work on both hardware and software,” he said. “That’s exactly what I get to do as an automation engineer.”
Corcoran’s daily work included using tools such as Studio5000, TIA Portal and Excel to design and program systems to allow machines to operate on their own. He also contributed to important safety documentation, including lockout/tagout sheets, and used AutoCAD to help design or update the physical layout of automated systems.
When on-site at a General Motors plant in Lake Orion, Michigan, Corcoran took a hands-on role in testing, debugging and troubleshooting automation systems.
“It was really rewarding to work alongside electricians and millwrights, making sure systems ran safely and smoothly,” he said.
Corcoran credits Mizzou Engineering with helping him feel confident in the field.
“The coursework gave me a strong foundation to work through both electrical and software challenges,” he said. “And being involved with the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers student branch and intramurals helped me build teamwork and communication skills I’ve used every day on the job.”
He also highlighted the role of Mizzou Engineering Career Services in helping him secure the internship.
“They helped me polish my resume, prepare for interviews and hosted the career fair where I met Accent Controls,” he said. “I’d definitely recommend other students take advantage of those resources early.”
Corcoran’s experience shows the breadth of opportunities available through automation engineering and the value of Mizzou Engineering in helping students explore them.
“You could end up working on a car manufacturing plant, HVAC systems or a water treatment facility,” he said. “It’s a great field if you’re curious, like problem-solving and don’t mind getting your hands dirty.”
For Corcoran, the most rewarding part of the internship was the variety and continuous learning. “Every day is different,” he said. “It’s challenging, but that’s what makes it fun.”
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