RTX

Engineering Intern

May - August 2018 • Windsor Locks, CT

What I liked

I loved the hands on experience and the equality I was treated as an intern. My boss was very very smart and was the person who taught me to really be a go getter in terms of getting work done. I learned that no matter who you were at a company, it is super important to communicate details of work thoroughly and not be afraid to pick up the phone and contact someone that might help you get the job done quickly.

What I wish was different

The fact that engineering must go through a lot of red tape when getting equipment in the lab ready for testing, is very inefficient. I wish the engineering staff would be able to have their own lab tech on call for whatever job needed to be done when validation testing was required. Someone who would go through the red tape with ease and was set up as an engineer with full authority on the project but could also be the liaison for the testing labs to get things finished quickly and effectively.

Advice

Work ethic goes a long way and it was because of this that I received an offer to return. I know that when an intern is able to pick up the phone and solve a problem by asking the people who specialize in areas such as testing, hardware or software, that they are appreciated and are noticed to be doing great work. Always keeping busy is important and don't be afraid to ask a question if you do not understand the task at hand. If you finish with work, it goes a long way in the eyes of a supervisor if you ask for more tasks immediately.

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Program Management Intern

June 2019 • Burlington, MA

What I liked

I like the culture at Raytheon. I was reminded every day about how the work I was doing was supporting our troops and national security. Raytheon also puts in a lot of resources for anyone to feel a part of something. With their many diverse employee resource groups and continual training, it’s impossible to not grow your network and skills.

What I wish was different

I wish that could travel more without a security clearance. As an intern, Raytheon may not sponsor you for a security clearance. Unfortunately, my programs included a lot of travel to military bases that I could not go to without a clearance, so I had to stay at the office during those days.

Advice

Always carry around a notebook, or something that you can write notes in. In any fast paced environment like Raytheon, a lot of information is moved around quickly and it can be easy to miscommunicate or miss an action item. Also, writing notes can show that you respect what someone is saying and that you are organized enough to do what they may be asking.

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Mechanical design intern

June - August 2017 • Goleta, CA

What I liked

True engineering design work.

What I wish was different

Cooler projects

Advice

Ask questions about everything!

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Quality Co-Op

January - August 2018 • Danbury, CT

What I liked

I had a lot of freedom to find what I would actually like to do in my career. The people were also very welcoming and I never felt out of place at work.

What I wish was different

I would have liked more drive to get stuff done from other employees, there were a lot of ideas put together but few were ever seen to completion.

Advice

Develop connections with as many people as possible. Ask if you can come see what they do to see if you would like that type of work so you can develop a better idea of what you want to do in your career.

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Aeronautical Engineering Intern

May - August 2019 • Tucson, AZ

What I liked

The location in Tucson is beautiful and such a great place! The diversity of my peers was amazing and I made some great friends!

What I wish was different

Its a little hot in Arizona.

Advice

Make as many connections as you can.

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Sales Management Intern

May - August 2017 • Moorestown Township, NJ

What I liked

I liked that I had a lot of responsibilities for projects spanning across all areas of sales and marketing.

What I wish was different

I wish I had more projects to do. There was a lot of downtime in between projects so work got boring.

Advice

The industry isn't very young, so do a good job of trying to connect with older employees so you're not bored by yourself.

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Supply Chain Project Manager/Financial Analyst - Intern

January - December 2017 • Phoenix, AZ

What I liked

The team was very willing to provide numerous opportunities for growth and development. I gained a lot of experience in various aspects of my field. I was encouraged and my work appreciated by those on my team.

What I wish was different

Restrictions and reductions at higher levels of the company resulted in a lack of opportunities for interns to transition to full-time. My team worked really hard to bring me on after graduation, but in the end, it did not work out.

Advice

Be prepared to do a lot of tedious work at the beginning. You have to make a name for yourself and your work before you're tasked with more interesting projects. Stick it out and stay positive, it will pay off.

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System Engineering and Validation, Tool Design Intern

June - August 2017 • Middletown, CT

What I liked

Project Flexability. I had one core project but was also able to participate in day to day activities of the group.

What I wish was different

Nothing!

Advice

Don’t be afraid to talk with the SEV rotationals about their experience. Definitely helps to get a bigger perspective from a younger group of employees.

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Compression systems military composites design intern

May - August 2017 • Middletown, CT

What I liked

Had the opportunity to be a positive contributor to the team and treated as an equal rather than being used for menial tasks.

What I wish was different

More chances to see other parts of the company and explore different jobs such as structures

Advice

Don't be afraid to ask. You're working for people that want to see you make the most of an internship so if there's a class or project you want to work on your mentor should be there to make it happen

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Manufacturing Engineering Intern

May - August 2017 • East Hartford, CT

What I liked

As an intern, I was able to work on challenging, hands-on projects that had a direct impact on the company. My projects resulted in increased capacity and cost savings for some of the jet engines' manufacturing processes.

What I wish was different

At a large company, there was some bureaucratic inefficiencies and red tape associated with getting approvals for projects.

Advice

Do not be afraid to ask questions and speak up. You have to advocate for yourself.

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Hot Section Engineering Intern

May - August 2017 • Jupiter, FL

What I liked

My team at Pratt was incredible. Everyone I worked with was extremely supportive and helpful. I also got to tackle some awesome problems, which isn't always the case as an intern.

What I wish was different

Nothing really!

Advice

Go for it! I know being an intern can be intimidating, but don't be afraid to ask questions or make suggestions.

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Hedroom Productions

May 2018 • Chicago, IL

What I liked

Very friendly coworkers

What I wish was different

I had more experience

Advice

Use your columbia connections

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Operations Intern

May - August 2019 • McKinney, TX

What I liked

Open-mindedness of culture, open to change, allow interns to choose their own projects

What I wish was different

More networking opportunities, mentorship, ability to travel

Advice

You can see your work impact real-world scenarios.

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Space Systems Intern

June - August 2019 • El Segundo, CA

What I liked

Working on a legitimate space systems company.

What I wish was different

More trust in the interns. Sometimes I didn’t have any work to do.

Advice

Be proactive. If you’re not given work, ask for work. There’s always something you can help with.

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Information Technology Intern

May - August 2018 • Andover, MA

What I liked

The challenging work enviroment and real experience.

What I wish was different

Wish summer was longer!

Advice

Apply to internships early and practice interviewing!

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Systems Engineering Intern

June - August 2018 • Windsor Locks, CT

What I liked

Lots of mentorship and support, many other interns to hang out with. Work was very interesting.

What I wish was different

Communication with supervisors could have been easier.

Advice

Very valuable if you are looking for a position after graudation!

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Project Engineer Intern

June - November 2018 • Phoenix, AZ

What I liked

I was able to explore my talents because my manager presented me with many new opportunities and showed me how a real company does things. I made CAD models of actual parts that were 3D printed and used on an anemometer sensor for future automation.

What I wish was different

I wish I had networked with more people at the company before leaving and that the work I was doing was more related to my major, robotics.

Advice

There is no time to get anxiety at a new job. Every minute of the experience requires focus and attention. Only later in life when you look back can you afford to reminisce on your memories. It may be difficult and require much preparation, but it is worthwhile to think proactively and do things that will benefit yourself in the long run.

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Corporate Communications Intern

June - August 2018 • Farmington, CT

What I liked

The team I worked with was very enthusiastic and helpful throughout the process, and there were tons of opportunities to travel outside the office to cover events. I also appreciated the level of independence and creative input I was given on different projects.