While many students have been out vacationing with family or spending time with friends over the summer break, 24 Taylor youths stayed busy earning and learning as part of Samsung Austin Semiconductor’s internship program.
Samsung’s third class of interns finished their sixweek program, capped off by a ceremony Friday, July 19.
“It is a privilege for me to participate in today’s event celebrating our next generation of talented employees,” said Bonyoung Koo, president of Samsung Austin Semiconductor as he addressed the students. “I am very appreciative of the contributions you have made to Samsung Austin Semiconductor. I hope you were able to learn valuable skills that can help you in your academics and future careers. I look forward to having you come back and work here fulltime in the future.”
Koo was joined by dignitaries, including Williamson County Judge Bill Gravell, Taylor Mayor Dwayne Ariola, Taylor Independent School District Superintendent Jennifer Garcia-Edwardsen, School Board President Marco Ortiz and Samsung executives.
The South Koreabased Samsung announced in November 2021 it was building a multibillion-dollar fabrication facility on the southwest edge of Taylor, the second such plant in the Austin area. Not long after, Samsung officials announced the start of an internship program teaching hightech skills to students, including those from Taylor campuses.
“I am so proud of our students for their dedication to this program,” Garcia-Edwardsen told the interns. “To see you embrace challenges, learn new skills and contribute your talents to a global leader like Samsung is truly inspiring. This experience has not only broadened your horizons but has also equipped you with invaluable insights and perspectives that will undoubtedly serve you well in the years to come.”
Samsung partnered with Taylor ISD to launch the paidinternship initiative in 2022. Half of the 2024 interns had previously participated in the program and returned to gain more experience. Students worked in departments from cyber security to heating-ventilation- air conditioning and were assigned to mentors who gave them insight into the manufacturing process at
Samsung. Angelo Cho interned in the Infra Tech Construction department. He said the department designs and works with the systems that support fabrication tools.
“My school counselor told me about (the internship program) and then I asked my dad if I should, and he was born in Korea, and he told me this is a big chance and really motivated me to apply,” Cho said. “It’s such a huge opportunity for Taylor kids because it will show them what (a) good work ethic is and what a healthy work environment looks like.”
Rose Simons, who plans on a career in computer science, said the internship taught her what it’s like to work for a big company, how to work with new people as a team and how to adapt to new environments and challenges.
“Every person I have met with has not treated me anything less than an adult, and they expect the same kind of treatment in return, but people are always willing to help if you just ask,” she said. “It was really great to make connections with people who share in my interests. Aside from helping me develop my skills, they also offered invaluable career and college advice.”
Ariola thanked the students and their parents for their decision to forego other Summer Break activities and complete the program.
“All of you decided to invest in your future and learn about this very important industry,” the mayor said. “This experience is like no other; to be exposed to the industry-leading semiconductor company in the world is priceless.”
