My time working for AFLCMC thus far has been a great experience. The projects that I have been given have given me insight to aspects of engineering that I wasn't too familiar with. I have learned a lot both from the projects I've been on and the people around me. Everyone here is more than willing to help junior engineers out creating an environment where I have felt comfortable asking questions.
What I wish was different
I wish I would have been more aggressive in my internship experience earlier on. An internship is a great opportunity that AFLCMC provides but everyone here, while super helpful, have their own stuff to get done as well. This created an environment where I had work to do but too much time to do it. To fill that time, talk with some senior leaders, see if you can attend a meeting, ask for more work, any of these will do. The internship is what you make of it.
Advice
Don't hesitate to take an active role in asking questions and communicate with your fellow interns. Technical experts here are more than willing to help you out so ask questions. Also, the project that I was working on with the other interns was largely led by interns. No one is going to schedule meetings for the interns to discuss their projects, that's up to the interns to do that. Take advantage of the opportunity to step up and see about starting a meeting or testing something to gain some experience as to what it's like to be a leader.
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Materials Engineer
June 2017 • WPAFB, OH
What I liked
I enjoy coming into work and seeing familiar faces. My coworkers are all amazing and the projects I work on are immersive and meaningful.
What I wish was different
I wish my skills were more utilized than they were.
Advice
I would say to have open lines of communication with coworkers and your supervisor at all times.
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Structures Engineer Intern
May - August 2019 • WPAFB, OH
What I liked
The work I was able to do in this position was the type of engineering work I'd hoped for when I started pursuing a degree in engineering. I'd hoped for a position that was heavy in theory, math, and physics that could tie what I learned in school directly to my job; this position did just that for me.
What I wish was different
It would have been nice to have had a little higher pay. I've worked a few internship positions throughout undergrad (mostly in manufacturing), this position averaged at $15/hour. Whereas, my previous position that required much less technical know-how paid between $19-$22. I will say though, this position post-graduation feeds into the PAQ program. The PAQ program is unlike any other program I've seen for recent engineer graduates (bonus, undergrad loan repayment, free masters with paid time off to get it ect).
Advice
Take the pay cut. The 2 years of internship experience that I've had throughout undergrad cannot compare to the 12 week internship I had here. The experience was invaluable. Additionally, the benefits when you graduate, should you choose to accept it, are unlike any other position I've seen.
