Reflection on Internship

 

  1. Please provide a brief description of your STEP Signature Project. Write two or three sentences describing the main activities your STEP Signature Project entailed. 

For my STEP signature project I did an internship at Kao USA as an accounting intern this year. I worked with various departments across the finance and accounting teams, including the accounts payable and receivable departments. Throughout the internship, I had the opportunity of learning various financial and accounting tasks using new systems and softwares to complete bank reconciliations and data analysis to gather insights. 

  1. What about your understanding of yourself, your assumptions, or your view of the world changed/transformed while completing your STEP Signature Project? Write one or two paragraphs to describe the change or transformation that took place. 

Throughout this project, I noticed how important having good communication and soft skills are. I had stepped into this project thinking about the technical side of it and the different hard skills that I would develop, however I quickly realized how important soft skills are in comparison to hard skills. Working on tasks that I had no experience on how to complete and recognizing that I needed to reach out for help, helped me realize how important communication is even in a office setting. 

Also after getting real world working experience in a corporate environment while working full time, I realized how different a job is to being a college student. I realized that in this environment I am responsible for completing my tasks on time and don’t necessarily have a set due date that I need to submit my assignment by. This taught me the skills of self managing my time and prioritizing certain tasks when necessary. 

  1. What events, interactions, relationships, or activities during your STEP Signature Project led to the change/transformation that you discussed in #2, and how did those affect you? Write three or four paragraphs describing the key aspects of your experiences completing your STEP Signature Project that led to this change/transformation. 

Some events and interactions throughout the project that led to transformation in my life included having the opportunity to jump into things that I had no previous experience doing before and continuously learning and developing my skills. Throughout my project, I also met with a lot of different people, including other interns and individuals who were higher up in the company. Having the opportunity to meet and have conversations with so many new people throughout this project, helped me develop my communication and soft skills tremendously. 

Towards the end of the internship, I had to present my final project to a group of senior managers in the finance and accounting departments, and this experience helped me boost my confidence in my presentation skills and public speaking. Being able to answer any questions that they had during my presentation also helped me realize the amount of new learning I had throughout this project. Along with my soft skills, this project helped me increase my technical skills as well. 

Also, as I had spent more time with the company I had the opportunity to rotate across the different departments on the accounting side of the company. This gave me the opportunity to learn about the business through various different lenses and helped me broaden my overall perspective. At times I felt a little overwhelmed with all the new information and tasks to complete, however with effective communication and prioritizing certain tasks I was able to complete everything in a timely manner. 

  1. Why is this change/transformation significant or valuable for your life? Write one or two paragraphs discussing why this change or development matters and/or relates to your academic, personal, and/or professional goals and future plans.

All of the learning experiences I had throughout this project really helped me get a better understanding of my professional goals and future plans. Since I spent a few months at this company I was able to rotate throughout different departments relating to my interests. Having this opportunity helped me realize which parts of departments and the tasks that I enjoyed working in and had a lot of interest in. This related to my professional goals and future plans because these experiences helped me understand which kind of jobs I can see myself doing in the future and truly enjoy after I graduate. 

1. Please provide a brief description of your STEP Signature Project.

I worked on a project at my company rovisys. The goal of this project was to install HVAC control systems in a pharmavite factory that was currently being constructed. During the internship, the primary activities I did included conducting loop checks on sensors and valves throughout my project worksite which was a Pharmavite facility to ensure proper functionality. I also programmed various sensors to optimize their performance in different parts of the factory. Additionally, I collaborated closely with a new team, working together to tackle all of these tasks efficiently and ensure the completion of the project.

2. What about your understanding of yourself, your assumptions, or your view of the world changed/transformed while completing your STEP Signature Project?

Through this experience, I gained a deeper understanding of the lives and challenges faced by construction workers. Unlike my 40 hour work week as an engineer, many of the construction workers on the site worked 60 to 80 hour weeks. They even worked through holidays such as thanksgiving. They also worked through harsh conditions, including the cold, and had minimal breaks, eating their meals outdoors regardless of the weather. Despite their long hours and demanding work, their wages were not reflective of the effort they put in. My first hand exposure made me realize how privileged I am to have the opportunity to pursue a college education and work in a field where my contributions are recognized and compensated fairly. This changed my perspective on the value of hard work and the inequalities present in the workplace, making me me much more grateful for the opportunities I have.

3. What events, interactions, relationships, or activities during your STEP Signature Project led to the change/transformation that you discussed in #2, and how did those affect you?

A significant part of my transformation came from the interactions I had with coworkers and construction workers on the project. For example, I worked alongside undocumented workers who were responsible for painting and preparing areas where I needed to install valves or sensors. Communicating and collaborating with them often required patience and understanding. Over time as I got to know them better they opened up about their personal lives and talked about challenges they faced working in such tough environments.

Another impactful experience was working with construction workers during tasks like testing the functionality of hot water systems. These interactions gave me insight into their routines, their dedication to ensuring the success of the project, and the difficult conditions they endured daily. Construction workers had their own hardships and it was interesting to see the lives and perspectives of people I would have never interacted with if not for this internship.

Building these relationships helped me see beyond my technical responsibilities and recognize the human element in large-scale projects. It reminded me that behind every task, there are individuals contributing their skills and labor, often without the same privileges or recognition
that I have. This understanding has encouraged me to approach my work and interactions with greater humility, respect, and awareness.

4. Why is this change/transformation significant or valuable for your life?

This transformation is significant because it has taught me to be more mindful of others and my role in society. It highlighted the importance of empathy and understanding the challenges faced by people from different walks of life. By stepping out of my comfort zone and engaging with individuals whose lives are very different from mine, I have become more aware of inequities that exist and how they shape people’s experiences. Additionally, this experience reinforced the value of hard work and teamwork in achieving professional goals. As a systems engineer, I now better understand the critical role I play in ensuring the functionality of essential systems in factories and buildings. This realization has motivated me to approach my future work with a deeper sense of purpose and responsibility, knowing that every task contributes to a larger impact. This growth aligns with my academic and professional goals of becoming a well-rounded, compassionate engineer who not only excels technically but also values and respects the contributions of everyone involved in a project.

Schaeffler Co-op Reflection

My STEP Signature Project was an engineering design co-op at Schaeffler in Wooster, OH. This project involved supporting existing torque converter projects, performing durability analysis in ANSYS, and creating my own prototype model and prints. This project also gave me a better understanding of what it is like to work in a larger company and what it is like to do engineering as a career.

This experience showed me how different working is from school. Many of the things I’ve learned in classes so far didn’t come up at Schaeffler, and for more technical questions there were resources and “experts” I could ask for help. I also learned how much of engineering is creating reports, documenting work, and working with other engineers.

Several events during my co-op led to this change. For the first point, I wasn’t required to have any deep technical knowledge, there were resources and coworkers to help me and we were always able to use google to figure out problems. Also a main part of my job there was to run ANSYS FEAs and create reports on them. These reports had to be very detailed and show how the simulations were set up and explain the loading conditions used, as well as show the value and position of the max stresses, strains, and if any deformation, elastic or plastic, took place. In many cases, making these reports took as much time or longer than setting up the simulation.

I also learned how important it is to document your work, not just to prove that you did it, but to aid in future similar projects. During this co-op, I saw that most of our projects had a lot of similarities to previous projects, and since they were documented, we were able to use them to avoid redoing some of the work that had already been done and also as a reference for current work. One of my tasks was also to document an ongoing projects to help future similar projects have a starting point as this was a completely new project for the company with many new challenges.

I also learned how important being able to work with other engineers is. At Schaeffler, while everyone had individual work, everything was checked by at least one other person for feedback. Additionally, there were lots of meeting discussing changes and all the work involved collaboration with multiple different teams.

The transformation I experienced during this internship is valuable for my future career in engineering. This experience has helped me realize some of the skills I need to focus more on, as well has helped me in deciding what kind of company and job I want to have after I graduate. I also learned a lot about automatic transmission components / design as well as gained knowledge from other teams during my time there, which I already use in Formula Buckeyes.

MPR Associates Internship

I went to MPR Associates over the summer and fall for an internship/co-op (I am on the far right). MPR Associates is an engineering consulting firm, and over seven months I worked as an intern engineer there. I got to work on a variety of projects involving mostly nuclear engineering work.

During my time at MPR, I was able to gain an understanding of what it is like to work in a professional environment. They treated me as if I was a full-time employee, and I was able to do real work that I would be doing as a new hire. I also saw many passionate engineers wanting to make a difference in the world and I could not help but feel inspired to do the same. One major realization I had was that the professional world can be tiring, especially from longer hours without much of a break. Coffee became a daily necessity for me.

When I first started working at MPR, I was told that the daily expectation is 9 hours. This was a little difficult to adjust to at first, especially having to commute 30 minutes there and back in the first place. It felt like a lot of time was taken out of my day compared to college. However, I soon got used to the longer hours, and after working there for seven months I feel much more accustomed to full-time job hours.

Working at a consulting firm, there are many people who really want to help clients achieve their goals. MPR gathers a lot of talented and motivated people, and it was very clear from the start of my internship. It was awesome to work with such an amazing group of people. All of them were respectful to me and wanted to help me grow. I believe that I learned a lot from my time at MPR.

An important lesson I learned at MPR was that even more experienced engineers are still learning. It may be a little daunting to see senior engineers being so knowledgeable about certain topics, but even they are still learning more each day. Mid-level engineers are always seen asking for advice from more senior engineers, because that’s how you learn in a professional environment. There are many people who can help you become a better engineer, and there is nothing wrong with asking many questions to grow.

My time at MPR was extremely valuable to my career as an engineer. I grew significantly as a professional, and I can apply the lessons I learned to my future endeavors. As an engineering major it is very important to get internship experience under my belt, so I am very happy that I was given this opportunity. MPR also said that they would be happy to have me back, and I am glad to have made a great connection.

STEP: Internship at NASA

1.

For my STEP Signature Project, I completed an internship at NASA Glenn Research Center as a Software Engineering Intern. I mainly worked on the Inventory Management Program (IMP), which included redesigning the front end and back end of the web application, implementing secure authentication, improving database performance, and streamlining workflows to better support NASA’s bonded storage operations. Throughout the project, I had the opportunity to learn and apply new technologies, while also gaining valuable experience in collaboration, problem-solving, and working in a professional workplace environment.. This project involved collaborating with mentors and teammates which helped me grow both technically and professionally.

 

2.

During my STEP Signature Project, I realized that while technical skills are important, soft skills like communication and collaboration are just as critical. At the start of my internship, I approached tasks with the mindset that I could figure things out on my own, often overestimating myself and putting too much on my plate. However, I quickly learned that reaching out for help, asking questions, and getting feedback from others was far more effective than trying to tackle everything by myself. Putting aside the idea that I needed to have all the answers and focusing instead on learning from others helped me grow both personally and professionally.

I also learned that understanding the context of a project and listening to other perspectives can make a huge difference in how you approach a solution. At first, I focused mainly on completing tasks, but as I talked more with the bonded storage team and mentors, I realized that the “why” behind the work was just as important as the technical execution. This shift helped me actually understand why this product was needed, which helped me come up with more ideas and better solutions. This experience taught me that no project is done in isolation, and effective collaboration is key to creating meaningful, impactful work.

 

3.

One of the key moments that led to my transformation during my STEP Signature Project was realizing that I often took on too many tasks or difficulties at once. Early in the internship, I took on multiple tasks simultaneously, thinking that I could manage them all without any issues. However, I quickly found myself struggling to finish everything on time or rushing through tasks without putting in my best effort. This made me realize that trying to do too much at once wasn’t sustainable and that it was better to focus on fewer tasks with more attention to detail.

Another important part of my experience was the regular progress meetings with my mentor, senior developers, and fellow interns. These meetings were invaluable for getting feedback, discussing challenges, setting a gameplan for the future, and receiving advice on how to improve my work. Initially, I saw these meetings as routine check-ins, but I soon realized how much they helped me stay on track and grow professionally. The feedback I received often opened my eyes to new ways of approaching problems, and I learned that asking for advice wasn’t a sign of weakness, but a way to improve my skills and solutions.

One specific challenge that stands out was working on some of the authentication and roles for the Inventory Management Program (IMP). I initially struggled with implementing it on my own, hitting several roadblocks since it was new territory for me. I reached out to my mentor, the team, and some other interns, who helped me break down the problem into manageable steps. That interaction made me realize how much time I could save by seeking help early rather than getting stuck. It taught me that collaboration and communication are key to success in any project and that knowing when to ask for guidance can make all the difference.

 

4.

This transformation is valuable because it reshaped how I approach challenges in both academic and professional settings. Learning to prioritize tasks, collaborate with others, and ask for help has made me more efficient and confident in my work. These skills will be essential as I pursue my career in the future, where working on complex projects often requires teamwork, adaptability, and continuous learning. This experience has prepared me to contribute more effectively in future roles and focus on delivering high-quality results without feeling overwhelmed.

 

Reflection on Internship at GE Appliances

  1. Please provide a brief description of your STEP Signature Project. Write two or three sentences describing the main activities your STEP Signature Project entailed.

My STEP Signature Project was an internship at GE Appliances in Louisville, Kentucky. This project involved engineering research, testing, and design. This project also gave me the opportunity to do formal presentations in front of large groups.

 

  1. What about your understanding of yourself, your assumptions, or your view of the world changed/transformed while completing your STEP Signature Project? Write one or two paragraphs to describe the change or transformation that took place.

This project made me realize how different school is from working. I have always excelled in school and currently have a 4.0 in mechanical engineering here at Ohio State, but the effort I put into school is very different than the effort I had to put into work. At school, I am not limited to certain hours and I can spend as much or as little time as I want studying and doing homework. However, at work, I was there for 8 hours and I had things I needed to finish within that 8 hours. Also, I had to try and keep myself busy for that full 8 hours to not make myself look like a bad employee.

 

  1. What events, interactions, relationships, or activities during your STEP Signature Project led to the change/transformation that you discussed in #2, and how did those affect you? Write three or four paragraphs describing the key aspects of your experiences completing your STEP Signature Project that led to this change/transformation.

One interaction that led to this transformation was the work I did with my boss. My boss was great to work with and gave me a lot of opportunities to learn on my own and try things out. This gave me a lot of freedom and really helped me learn what being an engineer is all about. Also, my boss gave me a lot of advice based on her experiences with past work and jobs. This advice helped me better realize what opportunities may be available to me and helped me decide what I may want to do after graduating.

Another experience I had that transformed me was the co-op design challenge I participated in. This project allowed groups of co-ops to work together on a major project on their own. There were mentors provided to us who would answer any questions and give us some advice, but overall we had a lot of freedom. During this project I researched, designed, prototyped, and tested a new hidden heater system for dishwashers. This project gave me a lot of valuable experience that will help me in my future jobs.

Lastly, I had regular weekly meetings with my boss and with my team. During these meetings, I would present and discuss all the work I had been doing in the last week. I would describe any conclusions I had drawn based on my work and answer any questions anyone might have. These meetings gave me really good experience doing formal presentations which is not something I have had much experience with before. This experience will greatly help me in any future internships, and any jobs I get after graduation.

 

  1. Why is this change/transformation significant or valuable for your life? Write one or two paragraphs discussing why this change or development matters and/or relates to your academic, personal, and/or professional goals and future plans.

The transformations I experienced are significant to my life because they are all things that will help me with my professional and career goals. This internship gave me valuable experience working as an engineer. It also gave me valuable experience with formal presentations that I have not done much of yet. My experience at this internship helped me better understand what I might want to do in the future. Also, this experience made me realize that I would like to get several more internships and get a larger variety of work experience before graduating as that will help me decide where I want to work after graduating.

Reflection on Co-op with SME

For my STEP project, I completed a 7-month co-op through Soil and Materials Engineers Inc. (SME) that required a commitment of full-time employment with frequent overtime. SME’s co-op experience aimed to engage students in practical, authentic engineering tasks. It was my responsibility to navigate lab and field testing to ensure that contractors adhered to their project specifications before drafting a concise report complete with photos, observations, test results, and trip tickets.

My STEP project transformed my work ethic and view on engineering. At the beginning of my co-op, I was nervous to make decisions on behalf of the company. By the end of the experience, however, I gained confidence as an employee and overall individual. I transformed into a more independent, well-disciplined, and organized person due to the responsibility this job required. I also experienced how rewarding challenging work can be, which pushed me to use these skills in my day to day. Similarly, I gained confidence in my knowledge of engineering concepts. I was unsure at first how professional experience would supplement my academic career and worried that taking a substantial break from school might not pay off. However, connecting what I learned at Ohio State to real-world issues sparked a change in my critical thinking and work ethic. I was able to make connections in the engineering process and understand the “why?” behind my own work. This understanding changed my perspective on the path required to become a successful engineer.

Reflecting on my time at SME, I now have a better understanding of what to look for in future job opportunities. Before my co-op, I thought I would be happy with any engineering job I could secure. However, working for the same company for seven months showed me that a functional work environment, dedicated leadership, and strong company values are crucial for a long-term commitment. I also gained important soft skills due to their emphasis on communication and team building. This changed my perspective on selectiveness with job opportunities. SME’s values also contributed to my growing respect for all levels of engineering. To elaborate, I think the community can often overlook beginner level engineers. Now that I finished my project, I understand the dedication it takes to work your way up to making significant contributions to the engineering world, and I admired SME’s emphasis on viewing employees by their character rather than by solely by their title. The hardships of my position allowed me to reflect and gain admiration for those who came before me.

I contribute my gained independence, organization, and communication skills to my time spent at a specific site in Dayton, Ohio. I was assigned to this project for five months, and I had to navigate a large amount of work while staying in a hotel away from family and friends. This was the initial push for me to get comfortable with working independently. At the site, I spoke often to various people of authority. It was my responsibility to evaluate concrete before it was placed to ensure it met the specifications of the site, including delivering unwelcome news when tests failed. The amount of communication at this site made a strong impact on my soft skills over time. I would also have to manage my time between testing, communicating results, and completing formal reports. All while coordinating lab work at our Columbus office. Although I always had access to help when needed, the amount of responsibility placed on me was overwhelming at times. Looking back, I am grateful for how it pushed me to develop a well-disciplined schedule.

My problem-solving skills and confidence in my knowledge of engineering concepts stemmed from the ability to see processes from start to finish. One activity that really backed my understanding is the lifecycle of concrete samples. I tested and collected samples of concrete before placement. The next day, I took the samples back to the lab to strip and label each. After some time, I would evaluate their compressive strength. Then, I discarded the samples. Being present for the entire cycle of tests is what sparked change in my understanding of engineering processes. Seeing the amount of involvement that goes into each step and the significance behind each test expanded my knowledge in a way only achievable with real-world scenarios. This shifted my perspective on how successful this co-op would be in supplementing my academic pursuits. My enhanced problem-solving skills made me feel more secure in returning to classes after a semester of work, knowing I could carry over what I learned from this experience.

The relationships I had with my coworkers and boss contributed to shifting my perspective on what a decent work environment looks like. My team leader, Colin Flaherty, and my boss, Wess Mekhael, made a point of checking in with me periodically to ensure I felt comfortable with my workload. Colin often asked me about my experiences on job sites which allowed me to step back and reflect on my growth. On a particularly difficult day for me, Wess made it clear that SME values their employees lives outside of work. He told me that, “Any company that does not understand that life happens is not worth your time.” The mutual trust and respect within SME opened my eyes to the importance of being selective with job opportunities. There was also an event that solidified that the company genuinely cared about the success of the students they accepted. The Professional Pathways Showcase was held to present co-ops and interns with growth opportunities within each service group of SME. We were able to speak to dozens of employees who all started in different areas, gaining an understanding of how connected and important everyone’s jobs were in creating a functioning service. Learning about their paths sparked my newfound interest and respect of all engineering levels and disciplines.

The changes I went through during this experience were important because they all helped me progress toward my goals for my STEP Project. My transformation into a more independent individual allowed me to commit fully to this project and helped me understand work-life balance. Developing my critical thinking, organizational skills, and self-discipline helped me reach my goal of expanding my knowledge within a previously unknown context. I value being able to use my academic knowledge in real world settings, and this opportunity allowed me to do so. One of my biggest goals for myself is to graduate with a well-rounded education. Having confidence in supplementing my time at SME with my academic career helps me to reach this goal and to stand out as an exemplar student. SME also helped me inch toward my goal of doing my part within a larger objective. The change in my assumptions allows me to look back at my contributions and know they mattered within the company. This co-op allowed me to feel comfortable while still challenging myself to build a successful base for a career in materials science engineering which is my main goal, professionally. This foundation was aided by the important connections I made to others in my field who share the same values. Overall, I look back at my STEP project as a successful investment in my career and an integral step in achieving my goals.

U.S. Senate Internship

This Fall, The Washington Academic Internship Program (WAIP) allowed me the opportunity to intern full-time for Ohio Senator Sherrod Brown’s DC office. I handled tasks such as constituent calls, organizing mail, giving Capitol tours, and conducting health policy research, which involved drafting memos and attending briefings. This experience gave me insight into the policy process, networking with professionals, and contributing to the Senator’s legislative efforts. Through WAIP, I took a full-time class load and attended weekly professional development workshops that allowed me to expand my network, and provided me with vital insight into post-graduation endeavors.

Going into DC, I was nervous. Starting a new chapter in a new city was exciting, but navigating the process involved taking lots of time for self-care. I often checked in with myself by journaling and reflecting on my day’s work. I found that this routine allowed me to see the fruits of my efforts, and would recommend journaling to all future DC interns. These experiences taught me that I enjoy alone time more than I anticipated. The fast-paced environment in DC exposed me to connections that I would’ve never fathomed, but I quickly realized how much energy it takes to maintain those relationships. It can be draining, which is why my alone time has become much more valuable since arriving in DC.

I learned to not be afraid to let my voice be heard, to give strangers my business card, to bring attention to new ideas, and to be firm on my boundaries. DC is as transactional as it’s made out to be, but don’t let that scare you into not taking advantage of every opportunity you can. Joining the many different organizations on the Hill expanded my network, and helped me learn how to get out of my shell and network so I can facilitate meaningful relationships that will help me further in my career. I learned to be curious, be goal-oriented, and get out and explore the city. For all future WAIPers, I recommend that you to do the same; you’ll only be there for a few weeks after all.

I’ve met so many like-minded individuals and facilitated connections that I could have never fathomed. My intern cohort in Senator Brown’s office was truly one of the best, and I was able to find community within my identity very easily as a congressional intern. As an Asian person, our representation is very little on a federal level, and joining communities like the Congressional Asian Pacific American Staff Association (CAPSA) made me realize how Congress values our perspectives. One key event that I attended was a Filipino American History Month dinner hosted by the Asian-Pacific American Institute for Congressional Studies (APAICS). This event was important to me, not only because I had befriended members of the cohort, but because celebrating diversity is a key value of mine. Teaching others the importance of diverse perspectives inside and outside of the workplace is crucial, and without STEP and WAIP’s support, my network would have never expanded to this length.

Furthermore, my skills in teamwork, communication, and problem-solving were developed in the workplace, and well-roundedness was important in the office. As someone more introverted, I’ve always disliked networking. But through WAIP and working for Congress, my skills have developed and networking has gotten easier. Networking takes so much energy and sometimes isn’t as fruitful as you’d hope, which is why you have to learn to find a happy medium to not get burnt out and to really nurture your connections. I’m grateful for WAIP and the Senator’s office for allowing me the opportunity to find this happy medium with networking, and look forward to exercising these skills in the future.

This experience inspired me to come back to DC during the Spring 2025 semester to represent the LGBT+ Victory Institute’s congressional cohort! The program is similar to WAIP, but delivered through the lens of LGBT+ policy professionals. The networking events and professional development excursions that will be facilitated through Victory will be crucial in guiding me toward a future career in health policy.

 

Reflecting on J.M. Smucker Internship

1. Brief Description of STEP Signature Project

For my STEP Signature Project, I completed a co-op at The J.M. Smucker Company in Orrville, Ohio, focusing on research and development for frozen handhelds and spreads. My primary activities included conducting laboratory testing, optimizing manufacturing processes, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to develop innovative consumer products. I also engaged in networking opportunities, professional development events, and toured company facilities, including a new manufacturing plant in Alabama.

2. Change/Transformation in Understanding

During this project, I realized the vast difference between theoretical learning in the classroom and the practical application of engineering in the workplace. Initially, I assumed that technical knowledge alone would prepare me for a corporate environment. However, I discovered that soft skills like communication, adaptability, and teamwork were just as crucial to success. This experience also transformed my perspective on the consumer goods industry, highlighting the intricate science and innovation behind everyday products like spreads and frozen meals.

On a personal level, I gained a deeper understanding of my resilience and ability to adapt to new challenges. Living independently in a rural area, away from the fast-paced college environment and my usual support system, taught me to rely on myself, manage my time effectively, and embrace discomfort as part of growth.

3. Key Experiences Leading to Transformation

One pivotal moment was working on a long-term project to optimize a manufacturing process. Initially, I struggled to interpret the data and implement changes, which left me feeling overwhelmed. By seeking guidance from my manager and collaborating with team members, I realized the importance of asking questions and leveraging others’ expertise. This not only improved the project outcome but also boosted my confidence in tackling complex tasks.

Another transformative experience was the jams/jellies/preserves plant tour at the Orrville campus. Witnessing the scale and efficiency of the manufacturing process gave me a newfound appreciation for the work involved in bringing a product from concept to consumer. It made me understand how interconnected different departments are in achieving a shared goal, emphasizing the value of collaboration and holistic thinking.

Living in a rural environment also challenged me. Adjusting to life in Wooster, where entertainment and social activities were limited, required me to find new ways to engage with the community and spend my free time. I joined a local group for volunteering and participated in team-building events with other interns. These activities not only helped me form meaningful relationships but also taught me the importance of building connections wherever I am.

Finally, the relationships I built during my co-op significantly impacted my transformation. Regular coffee chats with colleagues allowed me to learn about their career paths, struggles, and successes. These conversations broadened my perspective on career possibilities within materials science and reinforced the importance of networking for professional growth.

4. Significance of the Change

This transformation is invaluable as it aligns closely with my academic and professional aspirations. The realization that engineering is as much about collaboration and adaptability as it is about technical skills has reshaped my approach to learning and career planning. I now place greater emphasis on developing interpersonal skills and seeking diverse experiences that challenge me.

Additionally, living independently and adapting to a new environment taught me life skills that will benefit me beyond my career, such as self-sufficiency, resilience, and the ability to adapt to change. These lessons will serve me well as I navigate the uncertainties of post-graduate life and pursue a career in materials science. By embracing new challenges, I feel more prepared to explore innovative opportunities and contribute meaningfully to the field.

Internship at Crown Equipment Corporation

I worked as an electrical engineering co-op at Crown Equipment Corporation this fall. I worked within Crown’s test department to develop internal tools that supported various levels of testing. I used Python for all of the tools that I created.

 

I wasn’t sure what to expect before starting this co-op. I had very little electrical experience, so I was honestly pretty surprised when I got a call back saying that I had been sent an offer back in February. Luckily for me the job title was false advertising, and I have spent the past 5 months working on internal software tools. I learned that I didn’t like software as much as I thought I did. This role gave me the exposure that I needed in order to switch majors from CSE to ECE, I’m concentrating in Computer Engineering, so this decision only delayed my graduation by a semester. I found working on Python apps to be quite boring and quickly lost interest throughout this co-op.

I learned that for me to find enjoyment out of my work I should look for roles that have a bit more of a hands-on aspect and revolve around a team. During this role I entirely worked by myself with the only outside influences being user requirements/feedback. I found this environment to be quite boring and isolating, there were many days where I didn’t speak at all. I enjoyed my coworkers, and my boss was great, but I think I need a bit more of a dynamic workplace. I definitely prefer a job where I find myself away from my desk every once and a while.

 

My first project that I worked on was great. It was replacing the testing framework that Crown used for on truck testing. The old framework was quite slow and had important fields spread out amongst the application which caused the time to create a new test case to be over 2 minutes. With over 3000 testcases in our database this performance needed to be fixed. After about a month of work and 2 meetings with the team lead that would primary be authoring new testcases I had finished the framework. I enjoyed this work because it was novel, and I had never worked on anything like it. The end result was a new testcase could be written in a few seconds.

This was where things got stale. My next couple of projects were all python data transformation apps. Just taking a file or two and creating a new file. While everything that I worked on definitely helped my team I just didn’t find it interesting, so it was challenging to work on every day. This daily work was monotonous and reminded me of my previous summer jobs: window cleaning, food production, and amusement park sweep. All of which I spent mostly alone and doing the same task every day. While I understand that it’s a job at the end of the day, I was hoping that this experience would be more engaging than walking around Kings Island with a broom and dustpan.

There weren’t many frills or activities within this experience. The co-op cohort didn’t do much together until late into the term and by that point I didn’t have much interest in touring a plant for a company I knew I wasn’t coming back to. I am thankful for this opportunity, and it was a great way to build up my resume. This job let me know pretty loud and clear that I needed to make the switch out of CSE and go for a degree with a bit more hardware. This job taught me a lot of what I didn’t like and that guided my decision making for my next co-op.

 

This experience was transformational in many ways. It was the catalyst for finally switching my major, a decision I had been playing with for over a year. This role built up my resume and I think played a major role in me receiving and accepting a co-op with Honda for this spring and summer. I got 9 interviews and 3 offers during this fall’s recruitment cycle with is a major improvement from last fall in which I got 3 interviews and no offers. This is the start of a snowball effect that will hopefully end with a fulltime offer for postgrad so I can’t help but be thankful for Crown taking a chance on me. I aim to take the lessons and skills I’ve learned at Crown and use them to hopefully find a role I find more fulfilling.