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UK graduate awarded internship in Germany

Brett Compton

Compton one of 25 recipients nationwide; will work with Porsche

Brett G. Compton, a 2006 University of Kentucky graduate with a double major in mechanical engineering and German studies, is one of only 25 students nationwide to land an internship opportunity in Germany as part of the Transatlantic Program 2006 . Compton will work with Porsche Engineering Services.

The Transatlantic Program is financed from European Recovery Program Special Funds provided by the German Federal Ministry of Economics and Labour. It is supported by the German American Chamber of Commerce of the Midwest and other corporate sponsors. According to the German Ministry, the Transatlantic Program is designed to project a comprehensive picture of Germany , its culture and language; promote contacts between emerging business leaders; exchange views on topics of political and economic interest; and strengthen cooperation in the business sector.

Compton is also supported by the UK German Engineering Program and the College of Engineering Kuehner Scholarship . The German Engineering Program is a cooperative effort between the College of Engineering and Division of German Studies in the Department of Modern and Classical Languages, Literature and Cultures. Through the program, students have the opportunity to visit or obtain work experience at German companies in the United States or in Germany, or study at a German university.

The Kuehner Scholarship was established by Karl Kuehner, a 1966 UK graduate in mechanical engineering and retired vice president with Cummins, Inc.

"I was very excited to learn that I had been selected, since the program seems to be very selective," Compton said. "I had been interested in an internship in Germany for some time."

   The first part of the program begins in Germany May 20. Participants will meet with government officials, associations and companies to gain a first-hand understanding of German politics and business. They will also take part in language classes.

The second part, the actual internship, begins on June 1 and will last six months. He will work in the Body Engineering Division at Porsche Engineering Services in Bietigheim-Bissingen, outside Stuttgart .

Compton studied German for two semesters in 2003-04 at Ruprecht Karls Universitat Heidelberg after receiving the Heidelberg Scholarship from the Division of German Studies at UK . He is a graduate of Highlands High School in Fort Thomas .