Ferris State University students gain valuable work experience through internships. Internships also can confirm or redirect career decision-making, provide marketability, develop people skills and enhance classroom learning. Many academic programs require one, but the experience is encouraged regardless to provide students with a better understanding of what will be expected of them in the workplace.
Many students are participating in myriad internships this summer. Meet:
Ethan HartEthan Hart
He is: a senior from Hastings, studying Welding Engineering Technology. “I also have a certification in basic CNC programming and operation, from the Manufacturing Engineering Technology program.”
Ethan’s Internship: is with Tenneco in Marshall. “I am learning how welding consumables can affect cost in large volume production of automotive components, as well as how preventative maintenance can reduce downtime during production and in return, save the company valuable time and money.
I have also learned how welding engineers bridge the gap between engineering staff and the operators, by executing engineering changes from theory to real-life application. Some of the valuable skills that I have gained are time management and prioritizing tasks, to aid the company in the most beneficial way possible.
Future Plans: “I am hoping that this internship gives me a better understanding about the GMAW (Gas Metal Arc Welding) process and how it is utilized in the automotive world. I would like to work as an engineering manager in the future, because I enjoy the team atmosphere and working with others to accomplish complex tasks of engineering.”
Internship Experience: “I have worked the past two years as a manufacturing engineering intern at Jedco Aerospace, in Grand Rapids. During my time there, I assessed discontinuities and defects in various commercial and military jet engine components. I also aided in the creation of process drawings for production of engine components.”
Other Activities: “I am a member of the American Welding Society and enjoy participating in their roadside cleanups and ski trips. In my free time, I enjoy traveling to new places and fishing, as well as water skiing.
Ferris Core Value Ethan Relates to: Opportunity. “I find that the Welding Engineering Technology program has opened many
doors for me. Whether you want to pursue aerospace and automotive engineering like
I did or are looking for pathways in Heavy Equipment, research and development, sales,
oil industry, fabrication, or appliances, there seems to be opportunity, no matter
what field you desire. This is especially valuable in times like these when finding
internships or entry-level jobs can be hard to come by.”