This summer I interned at Rolls Royce in Indianapolis, Indiana. I worked as a Purchasing Manufacturing/Quality Engineer Intern.

Going into the internship, I did not know what it would be like to work in an office for a large company or any company at all. This was my first internship. It was also my first time living in a city where I did not know anyone. I became much better at communicating in a workplace setting and more comfortable with giving presentations. I also became more independent, both at work and home. It is easier now for me to ask questions when I don’t know how to do something. I was also given the opportunity to shadow electronics engineers throughout the summer because my major is electrical engineering. Shadowing allowed me to see what I could possibly be doing on a day to day basis once I graduate. I understand myself much better now and I understand how I can fit into a workplace which I could not easily picture before.

I became more comfortable in the office as the summer went on. The way my projects were set up, I had to lead meetings multiple times a week with full time employees. I was very nervous at first, but I became very comfortable with giving presentations and leading groups. I also had to ask for help daily. I would set up meetings, email, and walk over to people and ask them directly. I did not think I was afraid to ask questions before I started, but I got very used to admitting what I did not know throughout the summer. By the time I gave my exit presentation at the end of my internship, I was completely comfortable with talking in front of people, even large groups.

Away from work, I learned about myself. I had never been in a city where I did not know anyone. Having free time after work, I was left to do anything I wanted. I read more this summer than I have had a chance to in the past few years. I also had time to run and walk around the city since I lived downtown. I really enjoyed being able to cook my own meals. I ended up having car troubles and learned how to deal with that without being at home where my dad fixes our cars. I became more independent because I had to make all my own decisions.

My manager this summer was very understanding that purchasing did not have much to do with my major, electrical engineering, and set me up to shadow electronics engineers throughout the summer. One of those engineers would work with me about once a week to show me what she does day to day. Being able to see what engineers do in a lab and office setting helped me understand what I could be doing in the future. The team of engineers that I shadowed does both design and testing work. Seeing both made me more conscience of what I may like to do after I graduate.

My experiences this summer helped me to know that I’m on the right track in school. Without seeing what people in your field do during their jobs, it is hard to know whether you will like the job you are setting yourself up for or not. I thoroughly enjoyed my internship this summer even though it was not in the scope of my major and that is because I liked the company. I have been given the opportunity to go back next summer on the Electronic Controls team. If I had not been able to take the internship this summer, I may not have been given that chance. I was able to become more confident in the workplace and with living on my own. This summer helped me become much more independent and led me to find a job I could truly enjoy.