Connecting students with industry
MANTECH sponsors engineering capstone project
News
SUMMARY: MANTECH’s growing partnership with CISE has created meaningful connections between industry and students. Through events, mentorship, capstone sponsorships, and hands-on engagement, the company has built a strong talent pipeline in robotics, unmanned systems, and cyber defense. They hope to expand this involvement and encourage others to join them.
Chris Troughton, Academic Engagement Lead at MANTECH, first connected with James Madison University’s College of Integrated Science and Engineering (CISE) at the 2021 Fall Career and Internship Fair.
“I was recruiting students for internships and full-time employment opportunities,” he said. “When I heard about the CISE Industry Partners Program, I knew instantly it was a great opportunity to expand the partnership between MANTECH and CISE.”
Troughton, who also serves as Deputy Program Manager for a key contract supporting the Marine Corps Warfighting Laboratory, understands that talent drives innovation. “We’re always looking for new, technical talent that can energize our workforce and bring fresh knowledge and skills.”
In 2022, MANTECH formally joined the CISE IPP. They’re demonstrating how strategic collaboration between industry and higher education can lead to meaningful results.
"Since becoming a partner, we have been able to set up off-cycle MANTECH booths, sponsored a Women in Cyber ice cream social, hosted students at our facilities in Stafford, Virginia, and sponsored several engineering and capstone projects. We’ve also participated in leadership panels, resume review and interview practice sessions,” said Troughton. “In addition, we frequently engage with JMU Valor — a community supporting military-connected students.”
Through these efforts, MANTECH established a robust talent pipeline, hiring numerous CISE students for internships and full-time positions in robotics, unmanned systems, and cyber defense.
Connections and engagements are vital to success,” Troughton said. “The IPP enables students to connect with industry, explore internships and job opportunities, gain security clearances and receive the guidance they need for continued growth and success.
Looking ahead, MANTECH is eager to grow its capstone sponsorships and expand its team with even more CISE talent. “Capstone projects offer opportunities to mentor and evaluate students over sustained periods — relationships that often lead directly to hiring,” he said.
“I love working with JMU students. They represent the next generation of the American workforce. The IPP makes it easy to connect with them and support their success — and ours.”
His advice to other companies considering a partnership? “Do it. Invest in your future workforce. Invest in JMU students. Only good things will come from it.”
