By Steven Barcus
It’s the most competitive, most sought after international internship offered by the University of Wisconsin–Madison.
The JR Central Internship Program, established by Distinguished UW Alum and JR Central Chairman Emeritus Yoshiyuki Kasai, has been offering Badgers professional experiences in the cutting-edge field of high-speed transportation since 2000. To date, 49 Badgers have participated, learning about all aspects of JR Central from marketing and administration to research and engineering.
Participants take on a learning and consulting role, getting a rare, behind-the-scenes look at all aspects of JR Central, which is often acknowledged as the model for high-speed transportation around the globe. The broad view of JR Central’s operations appeals to a wide variety of students looking to launch their own careers. JR Central also provides participants with in-country transportation, lodging, and a stipend for the duration of their experience.
To celebrate the 20-year milestone of the program, JR Central hosted a presentation on campus that included lectures and panel discussions on the future of high-speed rail transportation and projects in Texas and between New York City and Washington, D.C. Presenters included representatives from JR Central, the Northeast Maglev, the High-Speed-Railway Technology Consulting Corporation, and members of the Wisconsin High Speed Transportation Group student organizations.
The gathering concluded with a celebration that attracted over 30 Badgers representing almost every year of the program, as well as Texas A&M University participants, who were also invited to the event.
Alumni who attended spoke highly of the internship program and how it impacted their own paths.
The application deadline for the JR Central Internship in Summer 2020 will be February 16, 2020. Visit our walk-in advising hours on Fridays from 10-1 in 252 Bascom Hall to speak with an advisor!