New national internship matching initiative connects employers with emerging talent across engineering, business, spectrum management, and telecom law
ARLINGTON, Va. — The WIA Foundation today announced the launch of the Wireless Futures Program, a national initiative designed to connect employers across the wireless and digital infrastructure ecosystem with undergraduate and graduate students seeking paid internship and cooperative learning opportunities. Through a free, dedicated online portal, participating employers can promote internship opportunities, connect with qualified candidates, and help shape the future workforce that will power America’s communications networks.
The Wireless Futures Program was created in response to a growing industry need for skilled talent and a stronger pipeline connecting students to careers in wireless infrastructure, engineering, technology, business, policy, and related disciplines. The program provides employers with access to a curated pool of students while increasing awareness of the diverse career opportunities available throughout the wireless ecosystem.
“The future of our industry depends on the talent we attract, develop, and inspire today,” said Amy Jo Samuel, Chair, WIA Foundation Board. “The Wireless Futures Program creates a direct connection between employers and students eager to build meaningful careers in wireless. By working together, we can strengthen our workforce pipeline, expand awareness of industry opportunities, and help ensure the wireless sector continues to innovate and thrive for generations to come.”
At no cost, employers participating in the program can post paid internship and co-op opportunities, search student profiles, and engage with candidates representing a range of disciplines, including telecommunications engineering, structural engineering, spectrum management, business, finance, and telecom law and policy. The platform is designed to complement existing employer-run internship programs while also supporting companies looking to establish new pathways for emerging talent.
“Wireless and broadband communications are experiencing an unprecedented technological transformation. Across the digital infrastructure landscape, there is an ever-evolving need that remains consistent: developing the workforce needed to support our connected future,” said Patrick Halley, President and CEO, WIA and a member of the WIA Foundation Board. “The Wireless Futures Program gives employers a simple, free, industry-focused way to engage with talented students, build relationships early, and create pathways that can lead to long-term careers. This is an investment not only in individual students, but in the future success of our entire industry and our country.”
The Wireless Futures Program also helps address industry readiness by connecting students with real-world experiences before they enter the workforce full-time. Participating employers have an opportunity to mentor the next generation of professionals while helping students gain practical skills and a deeper understanding of the wireless ecosystem.
Founding Employer Participants
The WIA Foundation is proud to recognize the following employers that have already committed to participating in the Wireless Futures Program:
- American Tower
- APC Towers
- Array Digital Infrastructure
- Crown Castle
- Diamond Communications
- NB+C
- Nokia
- Phoenix Tower International
- SBA Communications
- Verta
- Vertical Bridge
- Wireless Infrastructure Association
As the program expands, additional employers, universities, and students will join a growing national network dedicated to building the future workforce of the wireless industry.
Employers interested in participating can create a company profile, post internship opportunities, and learn more at Wireless Futures Program at http://wirelessfutures.wia.org or contact info@wirelessfutures.wia.org.
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About the WIA Foundation
The WIA Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit dedicated to advancing the wireless infrastructure industry by encouraging and promoting education, research, and training programs. In addition to offering support for charitable organizations whose missions align with the needs of the wireless infrastructure industry, the WIA Foundation supports efforts to raise awareness about careers in the wireless and broadband industries and activities to enable the strong workforce necessary to achieve WIA’s mission of achieving connectivity everywhere.
Media Contact: April.Ward@wia.org