Internship:

Purpose:

My two-year internship at Northrop Grumman was my introduction to the corporate world of tech beyond my academic coursework. I gained hands-on experience in data analysis, project management, and engineering principles while developing skills in problem-solving, collaboration, and professional communication. Through mentorship, independent project work, and exposure to real-world aerospace and defense projects, I learned how to navigate complex technical challenges, manage timelines, and apply STEM knowledge in an industry setting.

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Internship (Year 1):

• Introduction to STEM Industry:
  • Participated in seminars covering various STEM-related topics, including programming, manufacturing, systems engineering, and cyber security.
  • Learned about career pathways in the aerospace and defense sectors through talks by industry professionals and pilots.
• Skills and Knowledge Development:
  • Gained hands-on experience in interpreting and analyzing data relevant to engineering and manufacturing.
  • Enhanced understanding of project workflows, including the lifecycle of products like NASA's James Webb Space Telescope.
• Professional Networking:
  • Engaged in team activities that fostered collaboration and understanding of company culture and HR practices.
  • Built professional relationships with mentors and peers, setting a foundation for future opportunities.
• Site Visits:
  • Observed manufacturing processes at cutting-edge facilities, including SpaceX projects, offering insights into large-scale engineering projects.

Internship (Year 2)

• Advanced Project Ownership:
  • Led a funded project with full autonomy, including research, planning, and implementation.
  • Collaborated closely with a dedicated mentor to navigate complex technical challenges and ensure alignment with industry standards.
• Mentorship and Professional Growth:
  • Benefited from weekly mentorship sessions to refine technical expertise and develop career strategies within the STEM field.
  • Gained insights into long-term career planning and skill development, leveraging the expertise of seasoned professionals.
• Practical Application of Engineering Principles:
  • Designed, developed, and debugged innovative solutions using cutting-edge technology, such as raspberry pi and python.
  • Applied critical problem-solving skills to create efficient and reliable systems, contributing to a project that achieved notable success.
• Recognition and Achievement:
  • Earned distinction for creativity and technical execution in a car dance challenge, demonstrating the ability to blend technical precision with innovative design.
• Enhanced Communication and Collaboration:
  • Presented project findings to mentor, honing professional communication skills and the ability to articulate technical concepts to an audiences.
  • Collaborated across multidisciplinary teams.

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Key Takeaways from Northrop Grumman Internship

• Mastered the ability to break down complex projects into manageable tasks, ensuring efficiency and clarity in execution.

• Learned the importance of asking precise, well-thought-out questions to obtain actionable feedback and insights.

• Embraced the value of a team-oriented mindset, recognizing that success stems from shared goals and open collaboration.

• Developed confidence in navigating unfamiliar challenges, leveraging mentorship and research to drive problem-solving.

• Gained experience in overseeing a funded project, balancing timelines, resources, and deliverables to achieve measurable results.

• Realized the value of leveraging mentor expertise for guidance, technical growth, and career progression.

• Strengthened ability to analyze and interpret data, applying insights to inform decisions and enhance outcomes.

• Built confidence in taking ownership of tasks while knowing when to seek advice.