Mercedes allows their co-ops to complete rotations in a different department each work term. This was very helpful for me in discovering what kind of work I want to do. There is a structured program through HR, which makes a lot of the transitions easier, and you usually end up working with a couple of other, more experienced co-ops as well.
What I wish was different
You can get placed into a department that doesn't provide much support for its co-ops or doesn't have the time to properly train a new co-op.
Advice
You have to put effort into finding work a lot of the time. Your manager or mentor may or may not have projects in mind, but it's up to you to prove that you can do good work towards those projects, or if you are not given enough work, seek out ways to improve existing processes.
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Process Engineer Co-Op
August - December 2020 • Vance, AL
What I liked
My experience this term was nothing like an internship I have had before. Due to the department being short handed, I was asked to fill in for a full time process engineer. It was exciting to be able to get a real grasp of what it means to work as a full time engineer.
What I wish was different
There were a few times during my time that I was frustrated by some of the lack of communication by others. I felt like that I was unable to do my job because of some people that never got back to be or helped me in times that I needed it.
Advice
Don't be afraid to ask for help. There were many times where asking for help instead of trying to figure it out for myself saved me many hours of frustration.
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Supply Chain Logistics Intern
June - September 2021 • Woodstock, AL
What I liked
I enjoyed working as part of a team to optimize processes related to delivering after-sale car parts to customers around the world. In this role, I had the chance to work with Mercedes colleagues in China, the Netherlands, Germany and India which was great experience. I even got to work on my German language skills and learn SAP. Additionally, I had the opportunity to visit supplier plants and evaluate and help improve their production processes. This really sparked my interest in engineering consulting.
What I wish was different
It would have been great to get a chance to travel more for the job. Most travel and company-wide events were cancelled due to the pandemic. Networking via LinkedIn, Microsoft Teams and regular team meetings helped fill some of these gaps.
Advice
I would recommend to touch base with your mentor or supervisor frequently, don't be afraid to share your ideas at meetings, and make sure to gather data about new processes you implemented so that you have concrete numbers for how your work benefitted the business. Also, take advantage of different trainings to learn new skills or brush up on existing ones.
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Engineering Co-Op
August 2020 • Vance, AL
What I liked
Held responsibility. Great people. Learned a ton
What I wish was different
More variety of tasks
Advice
If you see something you want to do, ask! Achieve your way into interesting projects
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Co-op
January 2019 • Tuscaloosa, AL
What I liked
I was able to get a perspective on what an actual career in programming looks like on a day to day basis, as well as the expectations a major corporation has for its salaried employees.
What I wish was different
Advice
Ask questions as often as you can, and learn as many things as you’re allowed to.
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Maintenance Engineer Co-Op
May - August 2019 • Vance, AL
What I liked
The people
What I wish was different
I wish I had more engineering-related work
Advice
If you want more work, don't be afraid to ask for it.
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Product Localization Intern
May - August 2019 • Vance, AL
What I liked
I like the flexibility to be able to work with people that were outside of my team. Everyone in the department was super open to explaining concepts that I wasn’t clear on, and helping me understand their role.
What I wish was different
Advice
I think having an open mind is the greatest advice for going into an internship. There’s so many opportunities available that you would never expect, and everything is a learning opportunity!
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Business Analyst Intern
May - August 2019 • Vance, AL
What I liked
It was another perspective of IT that I didn’t know would be so interesting.
What I wish was different
Learning more about the applications that the company uses like Tableau.
Advice
Never be afraid to ask questions!
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Electrical Engineering Intern
May - August 2019 • Vance, AL
What I liked
What I wish was different
More one on one time with a mentor figure.
Advice
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Human Resources Intern
June - July 2019 • San Salvador, San Salvador Department
What I liked
The experience, people and work environment.
What I wish was different
Feel more prepared before.
Advice
Set the mutual expectations since the very beginning of the internship with your boss.
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Process Engineer
May - August 2019 • Vance, AL
What I liked
I liked the individuality of the entire summer. I was given responsibilities that I was in charge of and had to manage on my own.
What I wish was different
Advice
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Financial Operations Co-op
May - August 2019 • Vance, AL
What I liked
The team i worked with was kind and motivating. I was able to learn a lot from other Co-Ops and my co-workers. The job gave me a taste of what corporate accounting is like and an opportunity to practice with various professional systems.
What I wish was different
Nothing, can't wait to go back!
Advice
If you have the opportunity, take it. No matter your experience level, with help from team members, you'll succeed.
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Automotive Mechanic Intern
June - August 2017 • Beirut, Beirut Governorate
What I liked
I enjoyed the company of about 20 skilled mechanics, making it their obligation to help me learn as much a I can about cars. I enjoyed operating hands on with 400 pound damaged truck transmissions by disassembling the product with various tools to detect the problems then reassemble the vehicle to its original shape. I also preformed tests on vehicles for diesel engine efficiency by using theoretical computations and compared them to the actual efficiency provided by the truck cylinders which was extremely beneficial.
What I wish was different
I was hoping that the internship program lasted more than a month and a half; I felt like I didn't completely get the experience I should have gotten. I also which that the company at least payed for my transportation to work. I also wish that we could have tested the cars efficiencies just like we leaned in college in order to get a feel of our theoretical logic.
Advice
It was extremely beneficial, and I advise anyone who wants to join the automotive industry to start with Mercedes Benz. Its only one of the most successful automotive companies, but also a great industry to learn and educate yourself on machinery.
