No experience, no problem: Biology professor inspires internship to get students career-ready
When it comes to landing real-world experience, some students get lucky. Others have Dr. Robin Wright in their corner.
The San Jacinto College biology professor saw a perfect internship partner in AGT Labs, a local food and environmental safety testing company. In fall 2024, Wright organized an AGT tour so her microbiology class could see their learning applied in real life.
“Off-campus visits are so valuable,” she said. “They show real-world application while helping students better understand the course content.”
Students' excitement and Wright’s initiative inspired AGT to launch its first-ever internship program.
“Students were amazed by what we were doing, what their degrees or their future could lead to,” Ethan Valdez, AGT account coordinator, said. “When we saw those reactions, we decided to create an internship program because we want to inspire students to get into this kind of industry.”
Building resume
From that visit and interviews, AGT selected San Jac students Shawn Grissom and Konner
Lare, who stood out for their communication and initiative.
Interning since June, Grissom has been preparing media used to test for bacteria like E. coli and Listeria, while Lare handles data entry and client communication.
The internships provide a two-way benefit.
“Having the interns ask questions and look at our system — it helps bring new ideas and better efficiency [to our company],” Valdez said.
For Grissom and Lare, the experience could lead to part-time or full-time positions at AGT if they choose to stay or return after pursuing higher degrees. Regardless, it builds their resume.
Grissom, who completed a general studies associate degree in May, is applying for San Jac’s medical radiography program next.
“The internship is helping me … by putting me in a similar work environment [to radiology],” he said.
Grissom’s advice to other students?
“Work with San Jac to find internships wherever you can,” he said. “Even if it has nothing to do with your degree or goal, it still can be something useful.”
Exploring options
AGT is not the first or last local company to offer San Jac students an internship. The College has built many solid industry partnerships that link students to external learning. Internships offer real-world learning that counters graduates’ frustrating loop of “no experience, no job.”
“Companies can’t find people with experience, so for companies to work with community colleges in the early stages, it helps build that experience,” Valdez said.
For now, AGT is accepting San Jac students who have taken some natural science or business/marketing classes. Valdez encourages students to pursue every opportunity they can.
“Keep applying, studying, and moving forward,” he said. “If you don’t apply, you’ll never know what paths you could go down.”
Learn more about San Jac's STEM programs
About San Jacinto College
Surrounded by monuments of history, evolving industries, maritime enterprises of today,
and the space age of tomorrow, San Jacinto College has served the people of East Harris
County, Texas, since 1961. The College is ranked second in the nation among more than
1,100 community colleges, as designated by the Aspen Institute and was named an Achieving
the Dream Leader College of Distinction in 2020 and 2026. As a Hispanic-Serving Institution
that spans five campuses, plus an online college, San Jacinto College serves approximately
45,000 credit and non-credit students annually. It offers more than 200 degrees and
certificates across eight major areas of study that put students on a path to transfer
to four-year institutions or enter the workforce. The College is fiscally sound, holding
bond ratings of AA+ by Standard & Poor’s and Aa2 by Moody’s. San Jacinto College is
accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
