BAE Systems, Inc.

Summer Technical Intern III

May - August 2019 • Nashua, NH

What I liked

Familiarized me with the company and working within the defense industry. Got to hear about a lot of cool projects currently being worked on, and took trips to different parts on the company for exposure to things outside of my immediate responsibilities.

What I wish was different

They were not ready for my arrival and as a result didn't process my clearance ahead of time which prevented me from working with my team in closed areas and being able to actively develop code other than addressing build warnings. I had a lot of downtime and wished the had planned some software development work rather than scraping together temporary jobs that didn't really benefit my career aspirations.

Advice

Coordinate with your hiring manager to ensure they are awaiting your arrival and that you have the proper clearance. Get involved in whatever opportunities available and pursue work if you find that it isn't being given to you.

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Manufacturing Engineering Intern

May 2022 • Fort Wayne, IN

What I liked

Flexible hours throughout school year

What I wish was different

Advice

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Contracts Intern

June - August 2022 • Nashua, NH

What I liked

I liked how there was a 6-week simulation project where I was able to work with other interns (both finance and contracts). This helped me see how a real-life proposal process is done and how contract negotiations and a request for bid approval document is created. I learned an abundance of new knowledge, and ended off my internship with a proposal presentation in front of company executives.

What I wish was different

I wish I was given more tasks and responsibilities on a daily basis. Although I was only an intern, I feel as though I could have been doing more hands-on tasks. This would have helped me apply my knowledge and see more of the duties in a Contracts full-time job.

Advice

The piece of advice I would share about this experience is to never hold back from applying to a variety of jobs. Even if a job doesn't seem like something that you would normally be interested in, you should still take the chance because you could end up really liking it. For me, I had no knowledge of contracts prior to my internship, and ended up really enjoying the contracts process, and got great experience working at a Global Defense Company.

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Accounts Receivable Intern

May 2021 • York, PA

What I liked

This company really appreciated the interns and always had fun events for us to network and get to know one another. The people are really great.

What I wish was different

Nothing!

Advice

Always be open to something new and take every chance you get to expand your network.

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Contracts Intern

June - August 2021 • Fort Wayne, IN

What I liked

It was a really unique experience and the company did a good job of professional development as well as teaching you what you need to succeed in the job and in the field.

What I wish was different

I wish it had been in person! I would have learned a lot more if I had been able to be at the work site in person.

Advice

Be prepared to do things you don't normally do in your field of study: as a pre-law student I found myself working heavily with excel and also doing a lot of business calculus/mathematics. I did alright, but just be prepared for that.

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Electrical Technician

June - August 2021 • Cedar Rapids, IA

What I liked

I liked the different projects that they had me work on and not stay in the same place all the time.

What I wish was different

I wish they were busier because there was some days that no one really had stuff to do so I was just sent home early for the day.

Advice

I would say that everyone here is very helpful and always willing to go out of their way to explain what they are working on or help you clarify any questions you have on the tasks that you have.

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Technical Intern

May - July 2021 • Aiken, SC

What I liked

Everyone was very helpful in teaching me about the company and the supply chain!

What I wish was different

I wish there was another intern as well as me.

Advice

Speak up in the beginning, people want to hear what you have to contribute

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System Administrator Intern

August 2019 - June 2020 • Hill Air Force Base, UT

What I liked

Interesting work, opportunity for upward mobility

What I wish was different

Advice

Interview for the jobs you want even if you don’t feel qualified yet.

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Technial Intern II

September 2019 - January 2020 • Nashua, NH

What I liked

Great work environment, and every other Friday off!

What I wish was different

More technical work

Advice

Great opportunity if you want to get into defense work, or development in general

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Technical Intern III: FPGA Design

June - August 2020 • Nashua, NH

What I liked

I really enjoyed the design work I got into. I was able to target Xilinx FPGAs and design a state machine that would configure another external device. I had a really good experience with my project mentor as well as the project overall. I can definitely say this experience will be useful in looking for a career in the field.

What I wish was different

Due to the COVID pandemic I couldn't be on-site, so all of my work was remote. However, this didn't prevent good communication with my project mentor. Because the project was going so well, he actually was able to take out lab equipment for me to use the last week of the internship to test out the design after simulation. But I do wish I could have gotten the chance to work on-site and in the lab.

Advice

Communication is key. If you're stuck on something, don't spin on it and try to figure it out on your own. Ask for help or advice and don't be afraid to. Communicate with your team or mentor and you'd be surprised how much great info you can learn.

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Aerospace and Environmental Engineering Intern

April - September 2019 • Hill Air Force Base, UT

What I liked

Working for a company invested in a critical portion of the National Defense Strategy was a privilege. I had the opportunity to travel to five locations across the mid to western states to meet full time service members and assess capabilities of the weapon system they were tasked with sustaining. In doing so I crossed over into multiple engineering disciplines completing the assignments I was given. I felt like I was treated as an employee rather than an intern with the level of autonomy I worked with.

What I wish was different

I wish I had been able to participate in more mechanically oriented projects. Most of my assignments revolved around environmental law and ensuring various design team members understood the constraints it placed on their work.

Advice

Never think you aren't qualified enough for an internship. Either you will gain experience in networking and interviewing that could be used for future opportunities, or you will be given the chance to take part in some really great work. It is NEVER too early to start actively looking for future career opportunities.

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Technical Intern

June - August 2020 • Totowa, NJ

What I liked

They were flexible with the way work was done due to COVID.

What I wish was different

More check-ins and guidance on work.

Advice

It was unique due to the fact I was able to work from home doing an internship during a global pandemic.

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Environmental Engineering Intern

April - September 2019 • Hill Air Force Base, UT

What I liked

I was respected and treated as a member of the team. I was provided autonomy in completing the assigned projects I was given. The projects I took part in had real-world consequences and mattered to the organization and customer greatly. I felt I was making a difference for the company. The company provided opportunities to network, shadow, travel on business-related trips, and to an extent build my own work schedule.

What I wish was different

I wish I had been compensated more for the work I did. I wish I would have had a chance to take part in intern activities more. Often interns in other departments took part in lunches, outings, and fun outside of work I was never made aware of.

Advice

Take the work you do seriously, and don't be afraid to make projects your own. Answers will not be provided and situations will not be idealized like homework in school. Ask questions on where to go to gather information, not just to be provided the information itself.

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