During my time here, I was involved in standardizing and improving models which monitored labor headcount and plant capability and capacity. What I loved was how engaged I felt this year. I had a lot of time spent communicating with people all across the company. Working here really made me feel like I was a part of the team, and by extension, the company culture.
What I wish was different
I wish that I had spent more time at the manufacturing plants. I spent exponentially more time at the plants than I did last year. But I still wish I had a more consistent experience with doing work on the shop floor. Doing so would let me better examine what could be done to improve process on a baser level.
Advice
Slow down. This term has taught me a lot of the importance of prioritizing accuracy over speed. I get caught up in trying to rush myself to get something done, that I lose sight of doing the job right. I fortunate to have had a manager who understood that and help push me along towards the right mindset.
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Procurement
April - June 2024 • Royal Oak, MI
What I liked
The people at the Royal Oak Plant. It was a very inclusive environment, and you felt like you were at home when speaking with union associates too. You never felt the divide between the people.
What I wish was different
More accurate job duties. I was assigned to work out of Troy Manufacturing and Royal Oak manufacturing with a huge inventory project related to the tool crib. There was a lot of miscommunication between departments, which often led to conflict later on. Salaried associates bicker and argue with each each other, and often felt that I had to side with someone. I decided to remain a neutral party, which led to my choice to leave the company. It was not a learning-friendly environment, and tasks are extremely unrealistic. The position itself was not related to my field focus, and I felt as though my development would be hindered if I continued with the position. I chose to part ways with the company after I had to deal with drama between three separate supervisors that I reported to in both plants.
Advice
Make the position title accurate to what job duties are meant to be performed by that title. A Procurement Co-Op should be 100% involved in purchasing, and not report to plant maintenance. I would not recommend taking a co-op with this company due to the lack of learning and poor training. Its more important to focus on your development than the job itself.
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Industrial Engineering Intern
May - August 2023 • Detroit, MI
What I liked
I loved that working at AAM made me feel like what I did was important. I was given instruction on what needed to be done, and what had to be done next. My manager was a great teacher in showing me how to do things. He was always available to talk shop and explain my concerns.
What I wish was different
I wish I had spent more time talking to the other interns and employees. Very little time was spent socializing with my colleagues. I had gotten a lot of work done in a very short amount of time, but perhaps at the cost of making more work friends. There were a myriad of opportunities, but I just didn't take them.
Advice
Reach out and network with other people. This is a place where if you work hard, and really understand what you're working on, you'll be there for a long time. Being able to make friends throughout the company is a wise idea. Take advantage of creating potentially lifelong relationships professionally and personally.
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Electrical Maintenance Intern
June 2018 • Reedsburg, WI
What I liked
They were very realistic and flexible with allowing me to set my own schedule for my needs. I knew some of the guys I would be working with before starting, and I have a family member that works there as well which helped a lot with getting in and getting going at the start. I didn't have to buy my own set of tools, the other full-time electricians that I worked with were willing to share their tools.
It was very much hands-on and do work kind of position. There were several occasions where I was given instructions on a project and left to do it on my own.
What I wish was different
There isn't really much that I would have liked to have been different.
However, I do know that the Reedsburg Foundry and others originally owned by Grede Foundries LLC have are being bought back from AAM and will be owned by Grede again but under a different name, I think. Many long-time employees had made remarks on how the extra benefits, such as health insurance was better under Grede, so that might be a good chance that is coming.
Advice
Be ok with the fact that you're going to get dirty and be hot n sweaty. It's a casting foundry where they deal with molten iron. Also just be willing to do what is asked and ALWAYS speak up if you don't know what you're doing or have a question.
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Product Engineering Design (Electrification) Team Intern
May 2022 • Detroit, MI
What I liked
I was able to put all I had learned in my classes to use during my internship. The opportunity to work hands on with American Axle was fantastic. There was never a day when I did not gain new knowledge. The pace of the environment is quick, and everyone is eager to assist one another.
At American Axle, everyone strives throughout the day to achieve their objectives.
What I wish was different
At first, installing and comprehending the software in its entirety takes some time, but after you have the feel of it, your task becomes simple.
Advice
If you like to work in a fast paced environment, this is the place for you. You WILL need to work hard everyday.
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Summer Intern
May 2022 • Detroit, MI
What I liked
I love that AAM is welcoming and nice to there employees. They make me feel comfortable and apart of the AAM family.
What I wish was different
I don't wish anything to be different.
Advice
To never give up!
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Engineering intern
October 2020 • Fort Wayne, IN
What I liked
I liked how I received exposure to multiple projects throughout my experience
What I wish was different
I wish that I would have a bit more direction for some projects.
Advice
I would advise anyone to make good relationships with fellow engineers. It makes everything a lot easier.
1
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Quality Systems Intern
June - August 2020 • Detroit, MI
What I liked
Great group of people. Good assignments, steady workflow. Assignments were meaningful and contributed to the group's success. Gained more skills and experience than expected.
What I wish was different
A longer summer would always be nice. I would have been content continuing with/expanding my project at AAM for another month or two.
Advice
Set clear, realistic goals at the beginning of a summer internship. Three months is a short time to accomplish large/vague goals. Make sure you set goals for yourself as well as what you will do for the company.
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Product Engineering Co Op
February 2020 • Detroit, MI
What I liked
The environment and culture of the company. Very inclusive
What I wish was different
Nothing!
Advice
Be self motivated, ask good questions. This is a learning opportunity
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Data Engineering Intern
March - October 2019 • Three Rivers, MI
What I liked
It was an amazing opportunity to gain industry experience.
What I wish was different
Nothing it was all great
Advice
Take advantage of every opportunity to learn.
1
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Electrical Engineering Co op
January - November 2019 • Detroit, MI
What I liked
Getting professional experience in my field. Learned about industry tools and software and was able to take on the responsibility of a salaried position.
What I wish was different
Nothing
Advice
The hardest part in finding an internship was initially applying to places. I think EMU could benefit from helping industry professionals help formulate resumes to get past any online screening service. Other than that my advice would be to use every day as a learning opportunity, just have a good attitude and be willing to learn and be humble enough to ask questions.
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Machine operator
June - November 2019 • Three Rivers, MI
What I liked
Hours and pay
What I wish was different
Work tasks
Advice
Get a useful degree so you don’t work at a factory
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IT Co-op
January 2019 • Minerva, OH
What I liked
Working as integral part of operations. Wide range of potential experience. Provided relocation assistance while full-time.
What I wish was different
Not a traditional "engineering" position. Not a lot of development/project experience.
Advice
If you're a CpE looking for tradional engineering experience, there is little to be had here. However, if you are considering a career in Systems Engineering or Systems Administration it is a great experience & starting point.
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Purchasing Intern
May - August 2019 • Southfield, MI
What I liked
The overall experience and doing projects that related in a real world setting outside of the classroom.
What I wish was different
Sometimes I felt as if I ran out of work. I like to keep busy so that would be my only request to have more to do so I can gain even more experience
Advice
It's great to gain experience, and while you are at your internship ASK QUESTIONS! Show the willingness to learn, that is what you are there for. They want to help you learn too!
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Global Indirect Procurement Intern
May - August 2019 • Detroit, MI
What I liked
The location.
What I wish was different
Nothing.
Advice
I learned so much, always try to get an internship over the summer before graduating.
1
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Procurement Co-Op
January 2019 • Detroit, MI
What I liked
The company and workers
What I wish was different
Nothing much, was great
Advice
Learn about everything you can and get in involved in as much as possible.
1
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Manufacturing engineer co-op
January 2017 • Three Rivers, MI
What I liked
Flexible work schedule and great people to work with
What I wish was different
Advice
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Engineering intern
May - August 2018 • Detroit, MI
What I liked
From the start I was learning more about applying my education to design and manufacturing processes within industry. The community at American Axle was a friendly and inviting, the work climate was respectful and comfortable, people working together to bring a product to market. The people I worked with gave me many opportunities to learn and apply what I was learning. What I found the coolest was getting to work on something real, and eventually tangible.
