I enjoy the opportunity to expand on my engineering skill set by working on several projects. Everyone is friendly and is happy to work with you or provide insight. I also feel heard and not brushed off whenever I have a question or comment. There are a lot of opportunities to work on a variety of projects.
What I wish was different
The process of getting hired can take a while. It can take a while to hear back when they need information and you'll need to respond quickly. Although everyone I spoke with as part of the employment process was very nice, the timeliness was just inherently in the process. This also applies for the onboarding process after getting hired.
Advice
A strong recommendation is to learn when to ask for help. It's important to try your best to work through a problem and troubleshoot on your own, however, ask for help if you are stuck. This balance helps you learn a lot while not wasting time stuck on the same problem. Also, make sure to check your email daily during the employment process.
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Mechanical Engineering Pathways Intern
May - August 2018 • Wright Patterson AFB, OH
What I liked
This was a great learning experience. I went in knowing next to nothing about what I would be working on and learned so much about research, the topic I was working on, and working for the government. Working on an Air Force Base was super cool too. It is in a great location, and the National Air Force Museum is right next door, which is a must see.
What I wish was different
All of the paperwork and waiting for stuff to happen can be tedious. Research tends to be a slow process with little advancement made in such a short time.
Advice
Apply early, check USAJOBS every week if you are looking for a government job. If you're remotely interested in research, AFRL is a great place to find out.
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Software Developer
June - August 2019 • Eglin Air Force Base, FL
What I liked
Great time. Really relaxed environment that encouraged learning.
What I wish was different
The pay could have been a little better, but the security clearance made it well worth it
Advice
Jimmy Touma is the best mentor.
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prototype intern
May 2018 - August 2019 • Kirtland Air Force Base, NM
What I liked
The experience working in the laser division and gaining practical experience as well as the wisdom from other practicing engineers.
What I wish was different
NA
Advice
Do as much as possible. There are many tours, sports activities, and intern created events that will add to the experience.
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Engineering Researcher
May 2019 • Wright Patterson AFB, OH
What I liked
It was good experience.
What I wish was different
More mentorship.
Advice
Take a lot of initiative.
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Research Intern
June - August 2018 • Dayton, OH
What I liked
The characteristics of a research environment.
What I wish was different
I wish I knew more about the topics we researched before going into the internship.
Advice
Study Matlab and practice programming.
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Research Intern
May - August 2018 • Kirtland Air Force Base, NM
What I liked
I loved my work. I got to work in Astrodynamics and Mission Planning. I got to send real mission plans to an Air Force Satellite to image other objects in space. There was also a great culture surrounding the internship program, and I met a lot of great friends who wanted to explore the area.
What I wish was different
Nothing.
Advice
Take a risk. I spent a summer in New Mexico despite never having been there, and it was an amazing experience.
