Major: Industrial Engineering & Management
Company: Collins Aerospace
Location of Internship: Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Internship Title: Industrial Engineering Co-op
- Why did you choose the company that you work for?
- Collins Aerospace (formerly Rockwell Collins) was immediately welcoming upon my interest at a Society of Women Engineers (SWE) conference. They were incredibly encouraging on finding the right internship for me and after a few days debating on the offer, I realized it was them.
- What were some of your job requirements for your internship?
- Some of the job requirements for my internship were being willing to relocate, pursuing an Industrial Engineering degree, and being willing to take time off from school for the co-op.
- What was your favorite part about your internship experience?
- My favorite part thus far in my internship experience is definitely the people; I get the opportunity to interact with the floor workers and support staff on a daily basis. My extroverted personality is a perfect match for social opportunities.
- What was the most challenging part of your internship? how did you overcome these obstacles?
- The most challenging part of my internship is navigating a new city after relocation, sometimes it is difficult to make new connections in a new city. It is not like college where you’re surrounded by people your age. In order to get involved, I pushed myself out of my comfort zone and started piano lessons, along with introducing myself to other people doing co-ops in the building.
- How did you find you internship?
- Through my own self-guided research
- Why was it beneficial for you to register for credit(s) though the Internship Program offered through the Career Center?
- Registering for credits through the Internship Program allowed me to maintain my full-time student status while working full-time in Iowa, along with avoiding putting my student loans into deferment.
- What advice would you give a student who is in the process of applying to an internship?
- Do not be afraid to take time off of school for a co-op/internship, every student has their own path and you’ll find the one that works best for you.