ORANGEBURG, S.C. – Longenecker & Associates (L&A) has history with South Carolina State University. They have provided funding, internships, and employment opportunities for students pursuing engineering. 

Longenecker & Associates is a small, woman-owned, and managed business specializing in mission assurance, project delivery, regulatory assurance, and high hazard operations.

Charleston, South Carolina, native, Dwyane Curnell, 21, was an engineering intern who helped with many project management duties this summer at L&A.

Curnell said a day at L&A as an engineering intern is strategic. Interns are required to complete small tasks, participate in companywide meetings and training sessions. 

"Your mentor – that would most likely be a senior project manager -- will task you with different Department of Energy projects," Curnell said. "This could help you become knowledgeable and have understanding of different terminology and document requirements of DOE for projects."

As a mechanical engineering technology major, Curnell believes the internship gave him confidence and structure. 

"When I say structure, I mean knowing what I would like to do as an engineer after college. Honestly, I had no clue what I wanted to do," Curnell said 

 Dwyane Curnell (right, white shirt) in the field

Curnell said every time he received a new project the internship became difficult. This is because he was not familiar with the nuclear industry or the Department of Energy going into the internship. 

"Learning new content and studying to understand what I was doing and why was I doing it was an experience," said Curnell. 

The opportunity has allowed Curnell to grow as a student and an engineering professional. 

"The internship required an extensive amount of technical writing," Curnell said. "Using the experience and patience I acquired from the internship will allow for assignments given to be easily completed."

Curnell recommends the internship with L&A to his classmates. L&A offers generous compensation and are willing to relocate you with housing opportunities. 

"This company has senior management that truly cares about the youth's future. The exposure to different engineering projects and the nuclear industry is meaningful," Curnell said.

Outside of his academics, Curnell has his own clothing brand called "The Neighborhood Apparel." His LLC has been in operation for several months. He also is a member of the track and field team on campus. During his free time, he enjoys gaming. 

His success is driven by his aspiration to have multiple streams of income. After Curnell graduates, he plans to obtain a master's degree in cybersecurity and become a network engineer. He looks to jumpstart a career in design engineering and use his mechanical engineering degree in the industrial industry. 

To support Curnell, follow The Neighborhood Apparel Brand Instagram at @_neighborhoodapparel_.