Celebrating interns on National Intern Day

Safran values interns, which is why the company offers a dynamic summer intern program. Through an internship at Safran, students are able to gain knowledge and sharpen their skills during “Launch & Learn” workshops, discover the company’s technologies and operations first-hand through site visits, and participate in other events that promote networking and exchange. National Intern Day is an opportunity to share insights and lessons learned from some of the talented interns who have recently gained experience at Safran sites in the United States.

 

Name: Ryan Morgan

Company: Optics 1

Department: Business Development

Degree: BA in Communications

• How did you hear about Safran’s internship program?

I heard about Safran Optics 1 through College connections. Being an Active Duty Army officer, I leveraged the Skillbridge/ CSP Internship Program to spend three months with Optics 1 during my final months in the Army. Skillbridge / CSP allows Service Members to intern with US companies to learn about career skills after the Army. The entire time the Service Member is at the internship, he or she continues to be paid by the Department of Defense.

• What is one thing you enjoy the most about your internship?

The people. Soldiers are what I will miss most about the Army. Optics 1 has a great team who supports Veterans and all their personnel.

• What is your advice to other interns looking to get the most of their experience?

For military, start lining up a Skillbridge / CSP internship up to two years before you transition. The military will require you to go through an application process. It is better to know the company you want to work at before you begin this process. Consider everything from workplace culture, all the positions they offer, and where they are located as it can act as a bridge to getting you to the state where you want to settle.

 

Name: Haley Boren 

Company: Safran Passenger Innovations 

Department: Software Engineering

Degree: Quantitative Biology 

• How did you hear about Safran’s internship program? 

I was referred by a current Safran Passenger Innovations employee. 

• What is something you have learned during your internship that you did not learn in the classroom? 

That you have to be ready to adapt and learn on the fly. Unlike the classroom, in industry things are much more unpredictable, and you must be willing and prepared to handle evolving situations. 

• What is one thing you enjoy the most about your internship? 

Everyone here is so willing to help and teach me which allows me to learn something new, and better contribute every time I come to work. 

 

Name: Labiba Sarker

Company: Safran Seats

Department: Information Technology

Degree: Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in computer science

• How did you hear about Safran's internship program?

I got to know about Safran's internship program from their booth at the career fair at UTA in spring 2023.

• What are your main responsibilities?

I am involved in a diverse range of projects that include – but are not limited to – asset management, antivirus installation, collection and recording of service data from vendors, and maintenance of computer systems through regular updates. Additionally, I provide support to users in troubleshooting applications, networking, and system-related problems. Another aspect of my role involves interacting with walk-up customers, gathering relevant information, and ensuring that they have initiated appropriate tickets for their requests.

• What is something you have learned during your internship that you did not learn in the classroom?

During my internship, I gained practical knowledge beyond the classroom through real-world applications. Acquiring industry-specific skills was a valuable aspect, as I worked with specialized tools and technologies. I also learned about professional etiquette and workplace dynamics, developing crucial interpersonal skills. Networking with industry professionals was another highlight, potentially opening doors for future opportunities. Overall, the internship provided a holistic learning experience encompassing practical application, industry skills, and professional development, problem-solving, networking, and time management. It has been a journey of personal and professional growth that I am grateful for.

 

Name: Abhishek Naidu Jakkula

Company: Safran Landing Systems

Department: Wheels & Brakes Engineering

Degree: BS in Aerospace Engineering

• How did you hear about Safran’s internship program?

I heard about the program through the University of Cincinnati’s internship portal and through a LinkedIn post from the previous engineering manager.

• What are your main responsibilities?

My main responsibilities are to help the engineering team throughout the manufacturing process, but in this rotation, I have geared my focus towards the assembly part of the process.

• What is something you have learned during your internship that you did not learn in the classroom?

I have learned more about the manufacturing aspect of aerospace engineering because most of the classes I have taken at the University of Cincinnati are technical knowledge about aerospace.

 

Name: Frank Pernas

Company: Safran Electrical & Power Sarasota

Department: Design Engineering

Degree: Major in Aerospace Engineering; Minor in Business Administration

• How did you hear about Safran’s internship program?

Safran Electrical & Power teamed up with the University of Florida Innovation Station to raise awareness about their internship program. A representative from the university reached out to inform me about the exciting internship opportunities being offered by Safran Electrical & Power for the summer of 2023. Intrigued, I gathered further information about Safran Electrical & Power online.

• What is something you have learned during your internship that you did not learn in the classroom?

Achieving quality work is a collaborative effort that requires a team. The process of engineering involves iterations, and it is important to recognize that the best solution is rarely discovered on the initial attempt. It is far more rewarding to accomplish something challenging than opting for an easier task.

• What is your advice to other interns looking to get the most of their experience?

There is no shame in asking questions. Embrace the opportunity to try something you have never done before. Celebrate your accomplishments and grow from your failures. Seek work that provokes interest and brings you fulfillment.

 

Name: Christopher Bood

Company: Safran Electrical & Power Twinsburg

Department: Mechanical Engineering

Degree: Aerospace Engineering

• How did you hear about Safran’s internship program?

I have a friend who previously worked at Safran Electrical & Power as an intern. Near the end of his internship, he told me that Safran was accepting resumes for the next semester of interns. Prior to this, I had heard of Safran, but was not familiar with the internship program. After researching it more and interviewing, I felt Safran would be a good fit for me.

• What are your main responsibilities?

My main responsibilities include generating 3D models of certain components of our products, designing test fixtures to be used during qualification testing, testing products according to their corresponding test procedures, and assisting the Regulations, Evaluations, Authorization, and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) initiative. I have also helped in improving a few areas of our lab – including updating drive stands, and added technology for creating lab hardware.

• What is something you have learned during your internship that you did not learn in the classroom?

This experience has taught me how to use Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing (GD&T) to communicate successfully a component’s design and purpose. In a previous internship, I had some exposure to reading GD&T, but I was never tasked with designing a drawing using it. The engineers here at Safran have helped me in learning this skill, and I feel I now have a good understanding of GD&T and its purpose. This is important, as GD&T is a practice widely used in this industry.

 

Name: Natalia Valencia

Company: Safran Aerosystems Evacuation, Wall Township

Department: Operational Excellence

Degree: Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering

• How did you hear about Safran’s internship program?

I first heard about Safran’s internship program in 2015 when my eldest brother had the opportunity to start his work experience in this program.

• What is something you have learned during your internship that you did not learn in the classroom?

How to overcome challenges, prioritize activities and organize my time in a better way to complete tasks efficiently. By challenging my abilities, I have learn how to think and act as an engineer.

• What is one thing you enjoy the most about your internship?

I enjoy feeling part of a team where I feel free to share my opinion and propose new ideas, take risks, strengthen and learn new skills.

 

Name: Gabriel Dominguez

Company: Safran Aerosystems Evacuation, Liberty

Department: Industrial Engineering

Degree: Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering and Administration

• How did you hear about Safran’s internship program?

Represented Safran Electrical & Power in a local Lean Kaizen competition. The Black Belt advisor of our project sent me the job opening.

• What is one thing you enjoy the most about your internship?

Having the freedom to take on all kinds of projects and learning as much as I can, from building booths and ovens, to project transfers, new production and Lean projects.

• What is your advice to other interns looking to get the most of their experience?

Your title doesn’t define you, work and help when and where you can. Everything can be taught, and asking how to do something is the first step in learning. Everything you can do adds value to your resume, regardless of your title.

 

Name: Nathalie Whalls

Company: Safran Electronics & Defense, Avionics

Department: Engineering department

Degree: Pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Aerospace Engineering & Astronautics

• How did you hear about Safran’s internship program? 

Through my school, Long Beach State University. Safran was featured in a career fair and although I was unable to attend that day, I was still able to learn about Safran through my school’s Career Development Center. I researched the company online and was excited to find the perfect internship position aligned with my engineering interests. 

• What are your main responsibilities?

I assist our mechanical engineering team in sustaining pilot control systems, which includes finding long-term solutions or improvements for current products and completing the actions necessary to implement the changes. While each task is different, I’ve been able to support the team through redesign proposals, material compliance investigations, and assembly drawing reviews.                

• What is something you have learned during your internship that you did not learn in the classroom?

Problem solving skills pertaining to real-word aerospace industry applications. Learning how to understand and approach each issue from the very beginning. From the early design phase to manufacturing and product updates, I’ve been able to see inside each step of the industry processes and the factors which make engineering come to life. 

 

Name: Ryan Hofmann

Company: Northwest Aerospace Technologies (Safran Cabin)

Department: R&D room

Degree: Industrial engineering with a potential minor of computer science 

• How did you hear about Safran’s internship program?

I heard about Safran’s internship program from Tim Hughes, now retired NAT’s Director of Certification. I met Tim because my family bought his old boat.

• What is something you have learned during your internship that you did not learn in the classroom?

This internship has taught me how to speak up. Often when you are an intern and new to things, you may have learned some basics in the classroom, such as how to use a certain software, but when it comes to actual experience like interning, you may not know how to do that. In reality, you might be nervous to admit you do not know how to do that task, but it’s alright. It’s important to know that it’s ok to ask for help and you should. That is just all a part of the learning experience.

• What is one thing you enjoy the most about your internship?

I enjoy the company energy – everyone comes with different and unique energy that makes it such a special place to work. No matter who is in the office, it is so easy to get along with them.

 

Name: Ben Dougherty

Company: Safran Navigation & Timing

Department: Computer Science degree

Degree: Research and technology department

• How did you hear about Safran’s internship program? 

I heard about Safran from Orolia visiting the computer science building at Rochester Institute of Technology.

• What is something you have learned during your internship that you did not learn in the classroom?

I’ve had to learn a new programming language to be able to work on the Interference Detection Mitigation along with learning a lot about Gnss data and GPS systems to understand the project.

• What is your advice to other interns looking to get the most of their experience?

To other interns, don’t be afraid to spend time learning more about the product you’re working with, it’ll help you focus on what creates value.

 

Name: Alana Ikemoto

Company: Safran Cabin

Department: Creative Design

Degree: Industrial Design

• How did you hear about Safran’s internship program?

I heard about Safran's internship program through a family friend.

• What are your main responsibilities?

As a creative summer intern, my responsibilities are shooting and editing video media, assisting the creative team with video shoots and live stream meetings, and working on various creative projects such as designing a mural for an elementary school for Safran's Give & Grow organization. 

• What is one thing you enjoy the most about your internship?

One aspect I really enjoyed was filming video media and short interviews which allowed me the opportunity to work with different people across different departments. This opened up the space for connections and learning how departments work cross-functionally to make Safran what it is today.