July 29, 2026
Nikko Sanchez is sharpening skills learned at Mizzou Engineering and building his character in a new work culture through his summer internship with Cicor Vietnam.
This summer, industrial engineering senior Nikko Sanchez is proving himself at electric electronics manufacturer Cicor Vietnam, applying the knack for problem-solving and logical thinking that led him to study engineering in the first place.
“Approaching situations with a technical mindset, analyzing problems and applying my skills to come up with unique solutions really strikes the right chord with me,” he said.
At Cicor’s facility in Ho Chi Minh City, Sanchez is a process engineering intern, supporting the manufacturing department by developing process flows, work instructions, in-circuit testing protocols, failure mode and effects analysis, and rework procedures as well as continuous improvement initiatives.
“I find myself working alongside and collaborating with various departments such as research and development, quality assurance, project management and production line supervisors,” he said.
Sanchez begins his day with a multi-department meeting to go over rolling action items and the production schedule before visiting the factory. He relays production changes to his manager and troubleshoots issues with other interns.
Sanchez enjoys the work-life balance common in Vietnamese work culture, where co-workers are patient, supportive and make time to socialize and connect with teammates.
“Everyone usually orders food from local vendors,” he said. “The company has badminton and soccer groups that play after work. If employees are not too busy, departments order milk tea, juice drinks or boba tea since the price of the drinks and delivery is so cheap.”
Sanchez said Mizzou Engineering prepared him well. He is grateful for the support and opportunities Career Services offered him, and he daily applies concepts he learned in the classroom.
“Seeing those skills come to life in a real-world setting has really blown my expectations out of the water,” he said. “Everything has come full circle, and it is incredibly gratifying to know that my hard work will truly pay off in the industry.”
Sanchez encourages other students to make the most of internship opportunities.
“If you want a challenging and unique experience, you have to set yourself apart by putting in the work that others simply won’t,” he said. “The moment you decide to bet on yourself and push past that hesitation, you realize these opportunities are just waiting for someone with the will and initiative to go secure them.”
Leading employers are looking for Mizzou Engineers like you. Here’s how to meet them.