] SPECIAL EDITORIAL [


to supplement their engineering workforce. “In addition to solid academic performance in science, technology, engineer- ing or math, I look for a resume that relates to the candidate’s engineering curriculum and addresses the internship that is being sought,” he says. “I also ask that candidates highlight any work experience, community involvement and experi- ences that draw attention to your unique abilities and accom- plishments.


“At a personal level,” he adds, “I look for active membership and leadership related to associations and societies includ- ing the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE), Mexican American Engineers and Scientists (MAES). Many of the activi- ties you experience as part of these organizations will help build a professional connection with the interviewer and will provide a reference for questions about your past experi- ence,” he advises.


Chris Marquez, department manager, product engineering, Northrop Grumman Aerospace Systems says, “An intern- ship provides an opportunity for an employer to evaluate a student’s ability and fit to their organization on more of an extended basis (as opposed to a round of interviews that scratch the surface), to ensure a higher probability of making a quality full-time hire upon the student’s graduation.”


He believes that an internship experience can supplement classroom learning. “An internship provides the student with an opportunity to begin to apply learned skills/knowledge in the classroom in a real world product/service. It also provides an invaluable experience that can help the student grow and mature as a working professional, as well as allow the student to make a better informed decision on their areas of interest, career path and/or type of degree or concentration.”


Nat Georges, a program engineering manager for the navi- gation systems division in Northrop Grumman’s Electronic Systems sector says, “I look for students with enthusiasm, initiative, and a strong work ethic. The internship provides a means for the student and the organization to get to know one another and see whether there is a fit. If there is, then it works out well for everyone.”


Harold Martinez, manager, mechanical design engineering, Northrop Grumman Aerospace Systems agrees. “Internships are a valuable part of our recruiting process. It gives us a preview of the talent pool and to potentially secure a future employee,” he says.


Turning the internship summer experience into a job offer is generally predicated by business needs, says Raytheon’s Sandra Beckett. “Companies often have performance systems in place to determine how well the intern did in the program. Good performers are those students who generally have a well rounded package of knowledge, skills, and abilities: Majors the company seeks, a good GPA, 21st century skills—


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teamwork, professional attitude, good communication skills, takes initiatives, isn’t afraid to participate when asked. The total package plus above average on-the-job-performance can be a key factor in receiving the full time job offer at the end of the summer.”


WHAT’S HER BEST ADVICE FOR A SUMMER INTERN?


Interns/co-ops shouldn’t treat their summer job experience as “just another job”, she says. “Interns should take advantage of every opportunity to learn, network and develop in an area that interests them. Likewise, if they find themselves relegated to administrative-type roles that are not utilizing their skills, they should speak with their managers or college recruiting staff right away. This should be a rewarding experience for both the intern/co-op and their manager/team as well.”


Beckett says her five tips for interns from Raytheon hiring managers are:


1. Don’t sit back and wait for work to come to you—seek it out, ask for more work.


2. Don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. 3. Avoid sitting in your cubicle all the time—network.


4. Don’t dress like you’re still on campus—dress like the others around you.


5. Be professional, but don’t be afraid to have fun as well. Even when things aren’t exactly going your way, don’t fall into negative office politics. Stay positive and ask for feed- back about how to make things better.


An internship is an opportunity to learn about an employer its industry—whether they are in the manufacturing industry, software/IT, defense, or government—while gaining valuable hands-on experience. So be open and willing to take on new tasks and challenges.


Drive and determination may help you land your dream job. Interns can establish relationships with mentors that will last them throughout their careers.


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