learning, feeling useful, getting to be a part of innovative technological developments, exploring the midwest, the co-op community, having a work/life balance, gaining confidence, playing in the snow for the first time ever, networking
What I wish was different
Collins aerospace is going through a lot of change currently. First getting acquired by UTC, now merging with Raytheon, and also divesting the GPS business in the very same building I work in. HR's been kind of a mess for co-ops due to all that. I wish I would have come when things were a little more settled.
Advice
My concept of what engineering is has completely changed. It gets so much better. Just don't sweat little things and stay passionate.
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Project Engineering Intern
May - August 2019 • East Hartford, CT
What I liked
It was very cool working among very experienced engineers with their phds and seeing how the aerospace industry works
What I wish was different
Felt bored sometimes since I was the only undergrad at the site in East Hartford CT
Advice
Make lots of connections and do the best to go out of your way to help others
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Software Engineer Intern
May - August 2019 • Cedar Rapids, IA
What I liked
The company atmosphere was amazing. I loved the people and the environment of work. Going to work was fun, not a chore.
What I wish was different
The on boarding process was a little slow, and you definitely have to actively look for things to do in Cedar Rapids.
Advice
Ask for more things to do: there is a lot of room-even as an intern to expand what you are working on
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R&D Engineering Intern
May - August 2019 • Winston-Salem, NC
What I liked
I liked the freedom of choosing the direction I could take with my project, and having access to wide array of resources available at a large company.
What I wish was different
I wish the location had been different, as the southern lifestyle was not a fit for me personally.
Advice
I learned that working at a big company comes with many perks such as having access to more resources, as well as more diversity in projects available to take on
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Marketing Analyst Intern
May - December 2019 • Cedar Rapids, IA
What I liked
I liked that I was able to learn a lot and get a ton of experience in my future field. I was giving a lot of responsibility and my direct supervisor was awesome.
What I wish was different
The first leg of the internship (May-Aug) my supervisor liked to micromanage and she questioned a lot of what I was doing requiring me to report out on my work once a week but couldn't offer much help, which felt unnecessary. The second leg of the internship was hard because I switched roles and had no knowledge about the new business unit. I received very little training and they really needed someone full time and I was unable to work full time because I was taking classes.
Advice
Management is frustrating and they expect a lot of you or do not expect enough. Some managers are not very understanding of what you need and are very resistant to change. Finding support in leadership in other places is good and will help you grow in the company.
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Manufacturing Engineering Intern
May 2019 • Lenexa, KS
What I liked
This internship was a great experience. It has shown me what engineers do and the challenges they face.
What I wish was different
I would have like a more specific project during my summer internship.
Advice
With hard and you will be rewarded.
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Embedded Systems Software Developer
November 2018 • Cedar Rapids, IA
What I liked
Valuable insight to the software industry. Real world application of my coding
What I wish was different
I wish I would have gone in knowing a bit more about integrating software w hardware.
Advice
Be willing to fail. Ask lots of questions any time you feel stuck
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Supply chain
May - August 2019 • Windsor Locks, CT
What I liked
Ability to move around and was able to get experience in different parts of the company
What I wish was different
I wish I was able to take on more projects to create more of a responsibility feeling
Advice
Work hard in your internship, impressions matter
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Software Engineering Intern
May 2019 • Cedar Rapids, IA
What I liked
Hands on experience, doing real work rather than busy work
What I wish was different
On boarding wasn't that smooth
Advice
Ask a lot of questions
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Program Management
August 2019 • Windsor, CT
What I liked
The people there were very welcoming and treated me like an employee. They had expectations for me but also were always available to answer questions and also gave me plenty of opportunities to learn each day.
What I wish was different
I wish I asked more questions, it took a while for me to realize how much information and networking was at the palm of my hands.
Advice
Take ADVANTAGE, they love interns and they especially love giving interns full time positions
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finance intern
June 2019 • Burnsville, MN
What I liked
The people, environment, and knowledge learned.
What I wish was different
Nothing.
Advice
Take in all the knowledge you can.
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Security Guard
September 2018 • Burnsville, MN
What I liked
Relaxing environment with high payment.
What I wish was different
Extra people to work with on shift.
Advice
Always take your job seriously.
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Industrial Engineering Intern
May - August 2019 • Bellevue, IA
What I liked
Was given meaningful work.
What I wish was different
More feedback from supervisor.
Advice
Very worth it just don't be lazy.
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Design Engineering Co-op
May - December 2019 • Rome, NY
What I liked
I liked my responsibilities, my team, and the town
What I wish was different
Warmer weather
Advice
Check your work
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Software/Systems Engineering Intern
January - August 2019 • Cedar Rapids, IA
What I liked
The people and culture and ability to learn something new
What I wish was different
have the work be more related to my major: aerospace engineering
Advice
Don't be afraid to ask questions
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Finance Intern
June - September 2019 • Everett, WA
What I liked
I liked the mentorship that I received throughout the internship. Having an established relationship like that is super beneficial for navigating a new experience.
What I wish was different
I wish I had actively learned more Excel beyond the required certification. The spreadsheets class alone and the certification felt like it wasn't enough to efficiently perform business finance related tasks so I had to learn new Excel features and shortcuts quickly on the job.
Advice
One piece of advice I would share is to not be afraid to ask questions. People are almost always willing to help others out.
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Industrial Engineering Intern
January 2019 • Coralville, IA
What I liked
I really liked being involved in layout projects.
What I wish was different
I wish I had more time to work on things.
Advice
Get to know as many people as you can.
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Avionics Finance Intern
June 2019 • Cedar Rapids, IA
What I liked
I really liked being able to experience a big company and a variety of roles! The people were great and I got tons of exposure.
What I wish was different
I wish I had busier from the start. The first month I didn't have enough work to fill up the week, but by the end I almost had too much to finish.
Advice
I would suggest that anyone entering an internship network with as many people as possible. I would just send people emails asking to talk for 30 minutes about their experience, no one ever said no.
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Project Management Intern
May 2019 • Cedar Rapids, IA
What I liked
Learned valuable career advice, friendly work environment.
What I wish was different
Wish I could have worked with more interns.
Advice
Try to network as much as possible, they are very helpful and want you to succeed here.
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ACE Co-Op
May - December 2019 • Jamestown, ND
What I liked
That I got to see how all aspects of a manufacturing business work.
What I wish was different
If there was a bit more designing.
Advice
Make the most of it, don’t be scared to reach out to your supervisor for more challenging tasks
