Experience engineering in the real world through MAGE’s ongoing series of industry site visits to innovative hubs like NIST, Forterra, and the Microsoft Garage. These exclusive trips give you a front-row seat to cutting-edge projects while providing direct access to the professional networks that will help launch or advance your career.
Witness the scale of autonomous innovation at Forterra. Our students went off-road to see how self-driving technology is transforming heavy industry and spoke directly with the engineers leading the charge.
See what it takes to power the cloud. Students toured the McLean Data Center to learn from the experts managing one of the region’s most sophisticated data hubs. From cybersecurity to sustainable cooling, this visit showcased the diverse career paths available in data center operations.
Go behind the scenes at the NIST Autonomous Vehicles and Robotics Labs. See how MAGE students get up close with world-class testing facilities and the engineers shaping the future of robotics.
Watch the NIST Autonomous Vehicle and Robotics Labs visit recap on Youtube.
Where big ideas get built. Our students stepped inside the Microsoft Garage, a world-class maker space dedicated to rapid prototyping and grassroots innovation. See how MAGE engineers explore the "fail fast, learn fast" culture that drives Microsoft’s latest breakthroughs.
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)
Gaithersburg, MD
April 27, 2026
Forterra
Clarksburg, MD
November 6, 2025
Microsoft
Reston, VA
May 2, 2025
McLean Data Center
McLean, VA
February 24, 2025
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)
Gaithersburg, MD
October 30, 2024
Our industry site visits happen throughout the year, but spots fill up quickly. To join us on our next excursion, keep a close watch on your UMD student email for the official announcement and registration link.
When you see the invite, act fast—spaces are limited and are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis!