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Intern Spotlight
Luke Kennard
Major: Technology Management
Loveland Innovations, Pleasant Grove, UT
Product Development Intern
Luke Kennard’s passion for flying drones was discovered as a student in UVU’s aviation
program, but his career path was found through an internship opportunity he created.
“I wanted to find a way to fly drones and make money,” he said.
Kennard, a senior at UVU, is planning a May graduation. He’s pursuing a degree in
technology management.
Through a social connection, he heard about Loveland Innovations — a drone software
company. When he reached out to them initially, it was for a class assignment to interview
a tech company. This assignment led to a job in quality assurance (QA) for Loveland.
After a year of working in QA, Kennard took matters into his own hands and created
the internship he wanted.
“I set it up myself,” he said. “I wanted to learn more about product development.”
With that in mind, he approached his supervisor and asked, “What are the chances that
one hour a day you come in and mentor me in product development?”
His supervisor was happy to oblige. That interaction led to greater opportunities.
Recently, he’s been working on a ‘best practices guide’ for customers. Upon completion
it will be used to instruct customers how to fly their drone with the best results
possible — how to get the best photos and the best data.
In addition, he researches competitors, creates reports used in large presentations,
test-flies drones, works with their app, and creates mock up designs.
His favorite part? Brainstorming. “Hands down,” he said. “I like to consider, ‘What can we do to shake up the industry?’
Ideas come in, you’re dreaming big, and looking forward. Everything we do in product
development is looking forward.”
The most important thing he learned from his intern experience? Be good at what you
do, whatever you do.
“When someone asks you to do something, and you do it well, people will notice. It’s important as an intern to understand what your supervisor wants, and go above
and beyond what they’re asking for. That way they can trust you for the next thing
they want you to do,” he said.
The internship experience has already inspired Kennard to create something of his
own — to cultivate an idea and turn into reality. He envisions a new drone model in
his future. “I want to have my own company with a product, and have control over directing
where it goes.”
Kennard considers his employment with Loveland to be an incredible opportunity — and
is grateful they have always helped him do what he loves, and support a family at
the same time.
News and Events
Join us for the Utah Valley University Spring 2019 STEM Career & Internship Fair! More than 50 exceptional organizations will be on campus recruiting for career-related full-time or internship positions. Dress professionally and bring your resume to make an impression on recruiters from these amazing companies. We look forward to seeing you there!
Photo Contest
Each fall and spring semester the Internship Services office conducts a photo contest for students who have recently performed an internship. Submissions are judged near the end of those semesters for a chance to win up to $50. While we post deadlines for photo submissions, you can submit photos anytime and still be eligible for the next contest.
Submit your Internship photos for a chance to win up to $50!
