GE Aerospace

Aerospace Engineer Intern

January 2023 • Springdale, OH

What I liked

For this job I really enjoyed the freedom and responsibilities that they put on me. This was the first job I ever had where I felt like my role was not only important but would make a lasting change on the company. For example, My first big project was a parts washer to wash multiple combustor parts with one assembly and layout with a bunch of very accurate measurement requirements, and through this process I learned many valuable tools for my future success, both physical and mentally. I learned how to use every single tool in our shop and I learned proper planning and thinking techniques for completing projects, as well as improved on considering what could go wrong.

What I wish was different

One thing I wished would have been different was a little of the communication and organization. I learned everything in due time, but when I first started I was unclear exactly what my role was going to be. This was learned mainly through experiences and gauging where I stood among my fellow employees. Also, my projects were not organized or listed out, so at the beginning I felt like I was unsure of what I was suppose to be doing, but after I learned how to properly communicate with my supervisor this was no longer an issue.

Advice

Be confident and humble in the right areas of work. Don't be afraid to ask about anything, especially what you want. It is good to be upfront and assertive most of the time, but there is a line where you should be humble about what you don't know. Ask for people's opinions and advice especially if they know more than you, and seek to learn as much as you can.

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Engines Engineering Co-op

January - May 2023 • Cincinnati, OH

What I liked

There were a few things that I did that stood out the most to me. First, I joined the Professional Development Committee (PDC) as the Evendale Social Chair. I did this on a whim and am so happy I did because I was able to meet so many people and host so many fun events in Cincinnati. It was a great opportunity to learn time management skills with project work and committee work, setting up meetings with leadership, and collaborating with others. Second, I set up many get-to-knows to meet and connect with different people throughout the company. I found that this gave me the best opportunity to network with others within the company and also learn about all the different positions that GE Aerospace has to offer. As someone who did not have any idea what they wanted to do after college, this was a great way to hear about what different departments do and find what interests you. Finally, ask questions! It does not matter if it is the silliest question or the most niche, intricate question that stumps the person you are asking, but each question shows your interest and willingness to learn and grow. I never had an encounter where I asked a question and was completely blown off. Often times, the question would lead to a much longer discussion, and by the end of it, I had learned not only the answer to my question but also the answers to other questions I did not even know I had.

What I wish was different

I do not wish anything had been different with the company. My experience with my department, work, and other opportunities was all fantastic.

Advice

Do as much as you can. This applies to all things, including project work, site tours, after-work opportunities with the PDC or your department, making connections, etc. Do not let yourself settle into a routine of missing out. You really only get one chance to make a good first impression (this also includes the company making an impression on you), and if you do not take the time to experience all it has to offer then you will be missing out.

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Supply Chain Co-op

January - May 2023 • Beavercreek, OH

What I liked

One of the things I liked most about this experience was the community within GE. At GE Aerospace, they make it a mission to make sure everyone feels welcome and a part of the team. Throughout my experience, I met a lot of new people and was able to network with other co-ops both during and outside of work which helped make the transition into a new company a lot easier. In addition, I enjoyed working on projects during my rotation which gave me a lot of responsibility and real world supply chain and manufacturing experience.

What I wish was different

One thing I wish was different about this co-op was the working hours. A typical day for me started at 7:00am at the office and ended around 3:30pm. While it was nice to get out of work mid-day, this schedule will definitely take a toll on you if you don't make it a point to get to bed early. These hours are a bit flexible and could change depending on your manager and your location so don't let this deter you from the company.

Advice

One piece of advice I would give to future co-ops is to not be afraid to ask for help or for another project. At a company like GE Aerospace, there is always something to work on and people who are willing to lend a helping hand. Also, make sure to schedule "Get to Knows" within the company. These are meetings where you can learn more about different parts of the company and what other people are working on. If you utilize these, they are great for networking and could help lead to a position pending completion of the co-op and graduation.

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Aerospace Engineering Intern

September - December 2022 • West Chester, OH

What I liked

I was on the professional development committee, and organized tours of 14 facilities throughout all of Ohio for all of the GE Aerospace Interns. This experience improved professional emailing skills and gave me the opportunity to work on the Professional Development Committee with 6 other dedicated interns working in Evendale, Ohio, Lynn, MA, and Indiana, as well as the intern experience coordinator, Reggie White. I also loved the Direct Metal Laser Melting Heat Transfer Team that I worked with, where I learned that GE saves a lot of money on manufacturing costs while simultaneously avoiding the supply chain backups plaguing their competitors by 3-D printing parts made out of metal. This practice is extremely profitable because it allows them to reduce jet engine assembly sizes from 25,000 parts to a couple thousand parts.

What I wish was different

I ended up discovering that I am more suited for a role in finance, so I wish that I had applied to the FMP internship instead, even though my experience with HR, my team, the PDC, and my boss could not have been any better. Personally, I am just more interested in finance than coding in Cygwin Bash Shell, 3-D modeling in NX, or performing Finite Element Analysis in Ansys Workbench. Outside of the actual day-to-day work I was doing, I have no regrets about the experience, but that is just because I am planning to transition from engineering to finance. If you enjoy FEA, coding in MATLAB, and 3-D modeling, this role is for you. Try to work at the Additive Technology Center!

Advice

If you work at GE, go to the PDC events, and even apply for a PDC position before the rotation starts. All that you need to do to apply is make a single PowerPoint slide stating why you believe that you would be a good candidate for a position. Also, go to the volunteering events and happy hour events organized by your sub-section manager or plant manager. Networking within GE is something I highly recommend as well. After speaking with 18 people that were graduates of the FMP, MEDP, OMLP, and EEDP programs, you will know what career path at GE is most applicable to your career goals and interests.

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Supply Chain Engineering Intern

September - December 2022 • West Chester, OH

What I liked

I enjoyed how helpful everyone was, all my coworkers were willing to help and answer any question I had. My supervisor was great at getting me integrated into my team and making sure I felt at home. I had the opportunity to see different sites through the coop program, and work with people across the world on issues being faced. I was able and encouraged to network with as many employees as possible, to make connections and understand what different opportunities there were in GE. Finally, I had teh opportunity to work in a niche part of the company, which was a blast.

What I wish was different

I wish we had gotten our full 16 weeks, instead of the 13 that it ended up being. GE decided to shorten it 2 months before we were supposed to start which was rather inconvenient. My job also mainly consisted of computer work, and it wasn't until the very end that I got to go to a shop and see the engines and work being done up close. But all in all I do not have many complaints for this work term.

Advice

I recommend meeting as many people as you can, and getting to know them well, so that after you are done they will remember who you are. This is important because having these connections when you are looking for a job is a great help. Secondly, use this to get as much experience as you can. Go on all the excursions you can, talk with as many employees as you can, so that you can better understand what you may want to work with. Finally, give it your all. If you are given a task, finish it to the best of your abilities, and even go beyond exactly what you were asked for so that you show that little bit extra for your supervisor.

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Test Engineering Co-op

September - December 2022 • Dayton, OH

What I liked

I liked how I made an immediate impact on the team I was working with. GE gave me work that was challenging but helped push me in my professional career. I was tasked with resolving an issue with the temperature readings from thermocouples. I was also responsible for creating drawings for the test cell I worked in. Every employee I interacted with was willing to help me and cared about my experience. GE pairs you with a "buddy" who is willing to answer any questions you have. GE offers the opportunity to tour various work sites. This allowed me to see what the different sites do on a daily basis. The tours also helped me decide where I plan to continue my career at GE.

What I wish was different

While I enjoyed the work I did, I was in the same test cell throughout my rotation. I would have found it beneficial to be able to spend time in some of the other test cells. The onboarding process was confusing at times. The preemployment program did not offer much assistance. Much of the first week was spent clarifying issues that could have been explained before arrival. GE is aware of this issue and are working to solve it.

Advice

Get to know as many employees as you can. Every individual at GE is willing to spend time with you and explain their career and experience. Schedule "get to knows" with members of your team. I was able to gather a wealth of knowledge by talking to other employees.

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Engines Engineer

May - August 2022 • Cincinnati, OH

What I liked

I liked being in an actual office environment as it's much different than being in a classroom. I liked learning new skills and networking with the other interns and full time employees.

What I wish was different

The communication was a little lacking. I didn't know what my assignment would be until the day I started. Whenever I needed help with something it would take a few days for people to respond to me, if they even responded at all.

Advice

Make sure to network and meet as many people as you can; both people who are in the same field as you as well as people outside of your field. Also, make sure to go to the social events outside of work.

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Systems Engineering Intern

September - December 2022 • Dayton, OH

What I liked

I really enjoyed GE Aviation's atmosphere, as I could tell they very much value diversity and inclusion. This was shown through numerous holiday celebrations for different cultures, including Diwali, Christmas, Hannukah, etc. as well as Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) that actively held events for the women's group, pride alliance, etc. I could tell that GE cares a lot about their interns, as there is a whole council of interns who plan social and professional networking events in addition to very informative tours across many GE locations. As for my internship specifically, the people I worked around the most were always willing to answer my questions and encouraged a culture of learning and growth. They willingly taught me what I needed to know and let me have ownership over the projects I was on, while still lending helping hands.

What I wish was different

I wish I would've known a bit more about the specific departmental position in which I'd be placed. I learned a lot from being in Quality, but I do not have interest in being a quality engineer and did not get the hands-on experience I was looking for. I would have like to gain more of a technical background to keep the skills I've been learning in school sharp. Despite this, I was still able to reach out to the people in the lab who were able to give me some more of a hands-on experience than I would've gotten just in Quality.

Advice

If I could talk to future GE Av Systems interns, I'd emphasize to go on all of the tours that are made available and take every opportunity that GE offers. I learned a lot from these opportunities about so many different departments and types of engineering, as well as about technical skills such as welding, machining, testing, and 3D printing. These are also great chances to meet professionals in different areas and network with them and with other interns. I would also recommend always asking questions if you don't understand something-- no questions are off limits and it will only make you look better by showing that you care. And, as always, if you run out of work to do, just ask anyone what you can help them with.

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Product services intern

May - August 2022 • Atlanta, GA

What I liked

What I wish was different

More involved projects

Advice

Network as much as possible within company

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Sourcing Intern

May - August 2022 • Atlanta, GA

What I liked

I worked with amazing people and got the opportunity to work on projects that gave me a lot of valuable knowledge. The work environment was very reasonable and the people are very nice!

What I wish was different

Advice

Definitely have confidence in your abilities and be willing to listen and learn.

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Systems Engineering Intern

May - August 2022 • Dayton, OH

What I liked

I loved the work environment I got to experience at this site! I also like the work I was a part of. I really felt like I had a stake in the projects that the team was working on as well as got the chance to learn several new skills in the process. Lastly, I loved all the work events GE has during the summer!

What I wish was different

This is a hard question because I really enjoyed everything about this Co-Op. I was apart of two teams which I loved doing but it seemed I was more involved in one than the other, but if I could get a chance to go again to be more involved in the other teams projects that would have been great! I also wish there had been more intern events site based because I loved the new friends that I made but I feel bad for those that weren't included.

Advice

One piece of advice I would share is don't be afraid to ask for work, look else where than your team, and to NETWORK. These three things really helped me feel like I was part of the company and got me really familiarized with GE's network. The more you talk to people the more likely you are to get new opportunities and get insight about things you didn't think about before. I would also say go to work events! It's so fun to meet people outside of work and try to talk less about work.

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Engineering Co-Op

January - May 2022 • Vandalia, OH

What I liked

The projects were very independent and the people were really nice! I also got to meet a lot of company executives. I really enjoyed the informational meetings on the company and learning about graduate programs from Dayton Flyer Alumni. We were able to tour other sites which was really fun and beneficial for networking. Lastly, the intern network they provide with other national GE interns was fun because they made events outside of work available.

What I wish was different

I wish I had more hands-on work at times. I also would have liked if they were more specific on the process of where they station you at. As well as, more specific on what you are applying for because they were several departments in systems with very different projects. The room we were in did not have a heater so it was very freezing at times. Lastly, I wish the onboarding process was a little more organized and directed.

Advice

My advice would be to network and always put 100% into your work regardless if it's something you enjoy or not. I think at times the work was not something that was particularly interesting because it was so repetitive at times. Giving 100% to something like that not only gives you a good reputation but, allows you to see things you didn't see before and develop an interest in it even if you didn't start off with one. Also, networking is incredibly important because you want to maintain connections after the experiences.

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Supply Chain Intern

May - August 2022 • Madisonville, KY

What I liked

I really enjoyed working in the aviation field and learning about the complex manufacturing processes required to manufacture turbine blades for a multitude of different engine programs. I liked the freedom to choose my own projects and apply myself in projects that I was interested in. I felt that I was able to make a difference and improve the manufacturing process at my site. The pay is also very good compared to other internship programs in the engineering field.

What I wish was different

I wish there was a more clear laid out plans for the projects I was expected to complete over the course of the summer. I was always having to chase down multiple different people trying to gain background information in order to start projects. However this did force me to learn more and take more initiative, which is good, but I think I could've been more productive and useful with a better plan. Lastly, I would've liked to have known my location assignment prior to signing and accepting the offer, but that's just how the intern program works.

Advice

My piece of advice would be to take as much initiative as possible. Your intern experience is what you make of it, so to get the most out of it you have to put your most into the experience. There are times when you're going to have to bother people to learn from them, and that will be uncomfortable. The struggle is how you learn and how you carry things over into your career.

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EID Intern

May - August 2022 • Cincinnati, OH

What I liked

I enjoyed the technical aspect of my role as an Applied Instrumentation Design Engineer a lot. I felt like there was always something to learn throughout this role. I also had an extremely welcoming team that were readily available whenever I had questions to ask. Furthermore, I appreciated the confidence my team had in me to get my work done effectively and efficiently.

What I wish was different

I think the onboarding process should be streamlined in order to ensure a smooth transition once the role starts. Waiting for access to certain programs and hardware sets interns back in the work they are doing. Since we are only in these roles for a short period of time, it would be beneficial to have these accesses as early as possible. I also think more consistent work would be helpful, as there were times when I felt I had little to do, and other times where I was overwhelmed with work.

Advice

I would start by saying that this is a role that takes a person who is excited to learn. Consistently ask questions and try to dig deeply into the technical aspects of instrumentation, as there is a lot to learn. Take advantage of your facility, as you have the opportunity to see pretty much the entire process by which parts move across the floor and get tested in different test cells. Finally, I would say have fun, nobody likes being rigidly professional all the time, get to know your team outside of just their jobs, network and grow.

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EID Intern

June - August 2022 • Grand Rapids, MI

What I liked

I really liked the independence they gave me. I was able to go out and ask for work, and they would give me work that I would be capable of and gave me training on various equipment. It was really nice learning new things, and my favorite thing would have to be using their new X-Ray. I worked with two teams, Materials and Components, but each one had plenty of work for me, and it was great having a variety of tasks. I love that I got to work on two projects with reports, it gave me plenty of experience with how GE operates and is always caring for their product.

What I wish was different

I wish they offered a meet and greet with other interns on-site. We were all sort of spread out, and it would've been nice to meet people and form those in-person early on. It would also be nice to have events set up similar to those in Lynn and Cincinnati/Dayton, my site really didn't have anything, and I would've loved to participate in those events, but that's usually up to the Professional Development Committee. But overall, I had a great time with some great teams.

Advice

I would say don't be afraid to look for work, they're more than happy to give you something. Don't be surprised if a simple task turns into a whole project, because that's what happened to me, but it was great to see the initial beginnings and see it through to the end with the report. Don't find just one task to do, because it can quickly get boring, unless you're the type of person that enjoys focusing on one. I like doing one thing for a bit, then taking a 'break' from it by doing another task, that way I can finish two tasks around the same time, but be sure to not overload yourself.

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NPI Lab Assistant

May - August 2022 • Dayton, OH

What I liked

I worked alongside a very knowledgeable team of engineers, and all of them helped to create a productive, yet relaxed environment. They always made themselves available for any questions I had and offered feedback on various tasks I was given. Even though they had much more experience than me, my colleagues were always very respectful and showed genuine interest in what I had to say. Additionally, I was given plenty of projects throughout my rotation, many of which forced me out of my comfort zone and helped me to develop a handful of new skills.

What I wish was different

The onboarding process throughout the first couple of weeks was tedious at times. Many computer programs and rooms on-site required special access, which took a little longer than expected to set up and receive. It would've been helpful to have a thorough list of what I needed to request so that I could jump straight into work as opposed to waiting around for clearance. Also, I would've liked to have had a better idea of the purpose behind some of my work. Since so many people were working on the same project at once, it was difficult at times to understand the larger goal of the group and how my specific role impacted others.

Advice

Be open to communicating and interacting with others, especially when you need feedback. At first, I felt intimidated to ask my coworkers for help, but I quickly realized this was only holding me back from growing in my role. By opening up and reaching out to others nearby, I was able to learn a lot and leverage their talent to help accomplish my tasks faster. I think my coworkers also appreciated me reaching out because it demonstrated that I was eager to learn.

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Engineering Co-op

May - August 2022 • West Chester, OH

What I liked

I especially liked the number of tours and events hosted to expose us as co-ops to the rest of the company. They served as a great experience as well as a great networking opportunity. One of my favorites in particular was the tour of the engines testing facility in Peebles Ohio. I think that this really helped me to know what is out there as well as show me how my work can impact other parts of the company.

What I wish was different

I wish that the company how more work ready for me to take on. When I first arrived at work there were one or two very small tasks that were passed along to me otherwise it seemed like it was up to me to find my own work that I could do. This created a very slow first 2 months. I also wish that more people were required to come into work because especially as a co-op without a company phone, it is very hard to work with people who are not there.

Advice

My one piece of advice going forward is do not be afraid to branch out beyond your group. There is always lots to be done you just have to find the right people and the only way to do that is to reach out. After I started bugging what seemed like everyone in the company, I started getting some meaningful work that has certainly had a positive impact on me. Most people are nice and are happy to have your help.

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Aviation Quality Engineering Co-op

May - August 2022 • West Jefferson, NC

What I liked

GE Aviation does a great job and giving their co-ops meaningful work that has a direct impact to the business. Throughout all of my rotations I have experienced that people at GE want to help each other succeed, this is very evident in the openness to answer questions, pass on best practices, and listen to new ideas. I have enjoyed working on rotating hardware, which are very critical components of our engines.

What I wish was different

Although the work is very meaningful and impactful at times there can be a lack of work or down time between projects. This can be a function of many things, but personally I thrive in a fast passed environment with lots of tasks and a wide variety of responsibilities. I fully understand that it is tough to bring someone up to speed with day to day operations and tasks within 12 weeks, but if you have a constant rotation of co-ops through that role that can pass along the day to day tasks they will never fall to the rest of the team. This is just a thought I have had across my rotations.

Advice

I have learned countless things through my work experiences, but there are three pieces of advice that I offer to anyone who asks. First, ask questions, whether that be to your mentor, boss, senior leadership, or the technician on the floor by doing this you not only educate yourself but also can provoke thought within them. Second, listen before you speak, I think this is an extremely valuable trait to master especially early in your career, chances are whoever you're interacting with knows more than you and that is ok but take it as a chance to learn and fully understand what they are conveying to you prior to speaking out your own thoughts or opinions. Lastly, do not be afraid to take risks, I do not mean be reckless and thoughtless but rather do not be confined to the norms try to ask why and push what is possible because you might just think of something remarkable.

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R3560419 GE Aviation Systems Engineering Intern - Summer 2022

May - August 2022 • Vandalia, OH

What I liked

I enjoyed being able to learn and get my hands on different parts of the aviation business. It opened my eyes to the corporate experience within a large company. Additionally, I really enjoyed the many shin work and out of work events that GE put together. They really allowed all of the interns to see other facilities and parts of the business that wouldn't normally be available. Lastly, they allowed interns to meet and network both with each other and full time employees throughout the company.

What I wish was different

I wish I would've have received some more work and maybe more important work. At the end of my term I ran out of tasks and projects to complete. Additionally, some more assistance from my assignment leader and other individuals in my team would've helped me out more. These factors did force me out of my comfort zone to contact other individuals from my teams and others to get more work. It also gave me time to set up sessions to get to know others and connect with people at GE Aviation.

Advice

Be sure to take advantage of all intern events and opportunities. GE does a fantastic job of having events that include both interns and full time employees. These are always accessible and a great opportunity to network and figure out what other people do and their roles within GE. Almost all fulltime employees at GE are always there help out and sit down to talk about their positions if you are interested. In addition, make sure to go out of your was to make connections and set up Get-To-Knows with other people whether they are interns or full time employees and be sure to ask questions.

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Engines Engineer

May - August 2022 • Cincinnati, OH

What I liked

I enjoyed learning new topics. I was doing software development and I had never used many of the languages and frameworks the application I was working on used. It was also great to get familiar with working in an office and engineering environment. Actual engineering and collaboration is much different in the classroom, so I'm glad I got to have the office experience. It was also great to be able to network with actual engineers and see what their career paths have been. I liked that I wasn't constantly being hovered over and watched, it made me feel more confident in what I was doing.

What I wish was different

Communication was subpar. I had to wait days to get a response from someone, if I even got a response. I realize that full time employees have their own jobs to attend to, but some wouldn't respond to simple questions I had. The office environment wasn't quite what I was expecting--I thought it would be a lot more collaborative, but it's just a bunch of cubicles and everyone seemed to work independently for most of the day. I also wish I could've explored the electrical engineering side of things more since I would like to work on computer hardware for a career. I enjoy programming, I just didn't want it to be my main job focus.

Advice

If you want people to help you on projects, you really have to bother them to get a response. If you're stuck on a problem with your project, you might have a lot of downtime in between responses from your team. It might be a good idea to get two or three projects going so that you aren't bored waiting for responses. I was working on my projects alone without other interns or even full time employees on my team, so it's important to reach out to people if you're stuck.

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