All posts tagged Aerospace Engineering

Alumni Career Spotlight: Gonzalo Canseco

Gonzalo during the delivery of the 1st Boeing 787 to launch customer ANA.

Gonzalo during the delivery of the 1st Boeing 787 to launch customer ANA.

Gonzalo Canseco graduated from the Daytona Beach campus, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in May of 2006 and holds multiple degrees, which include Aerospace Engineering, Aeronautical Science, and Applied Meteorology. And yes, there is a story for all the degrees, but you’ll have to contact Gonzalo if you want to know the details.

During his time at Embry-Riddle, Gonzalo did two internships, first with LAB Airlines as an aircraft dispatcher for Boeing 727/737 and Airbus A300 aircraft and later as a Certification Engineer with Kosola & Associates working multiple Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) projects on commercial aircraft (B727, B737, B747), helicopters (Sikorsky S-92, Eurocopter EC135), and structural testing.

In June of 2006, Gonzalo joined Labinal/Safran Engineering Services as a Requirements Validation and Verification Engineer and was later promoted to his current position as a Certification Engineer in 2007. In November of 2011, Gonzalo was given the delegation of Authorized Representative (AR) by the Boeing Regulatory Administration on behalf of the FAA (Designated Engineering Representative – DER delegation).  This delegation allows Gonzalo to approve engineering designs that show compliance with the airworthiness regulations. During his time at Labinal, Gonzalo has supported and helped achieve critical B787 milestones, including engineering requirements verification, type certification with the FAA and EASA regulatory agencies, and multiple customer introduction certifications. Gonzalo continues to be involved with his role as an AR in the B787 program for customer introductions and the new 787-9 model. In the Safran Engineering Services division, Gonzalo has also supported STC programs such as an avionics upgrade with Heli-One for the Los Angeles Sheriff Department on Eurocopter Super Puma rotorcrafts and most recently a military modernization of Eurocopter rotorcrafts for the Brazilian Army.

Gonzalo holds an FAA Commercial Pilot Certificate with Single Engine, Multi Engine, and Instrument ratings and an FAA Aircraft Dispatcher License. He currently resides in Everett, WA together with his wife Darcy and their two dogs.

Tell us about your position with Labinal/Safran Engineering Services.  How did you get this opportunity? 

Labinal came to Embry-Riddle to interview for design engineer positions, and when I interviewed with them, the recruiter noticed my previous experience working in certification with a DER (internship with Kosola); plus I had also expressed my interest and goal to one day become a DER myself. A week later when decisions were being made, I was asked to do an additional interview with the Director of Certification since they had an opening for a requirements engineer, and when asked if that was a career path that I would be interested in instead of design engineering, I had no hesitation in saying yes!

Seven years later, my career has progressed much quicker than I ever expected. As a certification engineer, I get involved in all aspects of design projects, from the early planning phases when the certification plan and agreements are reached with the regulatory agencies all the way to design reviews and aircraft inspections to ensure that the final product meets the applicable airworthiness regulations.

Gonzalo and his wife Darcy during the delivery of the 1st Boeing 787 to launch customer ANA.

Gonzalo and his wife Darcy during the delivery of the 1st Boeing 787 to launch customer ANA.

What is one of the most interesting/exciting parts of your position?

This position allows me to work on several different projects at a time, from the Large Transport Category and modern Boeing 787 to small rotorcraft modifications and upgrades in both the civilian and military worlds.

There is always something exciting going on with this position, but the one that I enjoy the most and which brings the most satisfaction is being part of the review and inspections process to ensure that our designs comply with the airworthiness regulations. For this activity we perform design reviews of all the 3D models, 2D drawings, and process documents and in most cases are also required to do on-airplane inspections before it can be certified and delivered to the customers. As an AR, I also have the responsibility to sign the required FAA forms stating that our design is in compliance.

At the end of the day, I see our job as making sure the final product is safe for the airlines and passengers. We take this job very seriously and also take pride in it.

What attributes and accomplishments do you feel led to your success as a Certification Engineer at Safran Engineering Services?

There are many things I learned during my time at Embry-Riddle that have helped me progress in my career that it would take a lot to write them all, but I think these are some of the more important ones:

1. There’s a lot more than just studying and memorizing things in college:

  • Learn how to work with diverse groups; you will be doing that for the rest of your life in the engineering world. I had the opportunity to get a lot of experience in this area by working as a Resident Advisor and Resident Director in the housing department as well as with our Preliminary Design and Senior Design projects.
  • Get involved in campus organizations; get a part-time job; get internship experience. They will all make you a well-rounded individual and better candidate for most companies. I can honestly say that without the internship I did while at Embry-Riddle I would not be where I am today.

2. However, don’t forget the studying part:

  • Not every single thing you learn in school will be used in each individual career, but it will make you an overall well-rounded engineer who can have educated conversations on any technical topic with other senior engineers, technical managers, etc. This will make you stand out among your peers and help you advance in your career. I was able to experience this first hand when I got selected as an AR candidate and had to interact with several mentors and advisors all of whom had different backgrounds (mechanical engineering, systems engineering, etc.).
  • If you want to be a good aerospace engineer, get some actual flying experience (i.e. take a private pilot’s ground school, some Aeronautical Science classes, or even better get your license). Something I see a lot is people that know all the engineering models and techniques but have no clear understanding of what it really means to be at the command of an aircraft, what it feels to be in the shoes of the pilot, and that can limit your capabilities to contribute as an engineer. In my case having a pilot’s license allowed me to become a more valuable employee and has come very useful when trying to explain the effects that some designs and failures can have on the aircraft and on the pilots.

What advice do you have for current students to help them succeed post-graduation, based on your experiences?

  • Learn to be patient; most design projects in our industry can last several years, and they don’t get done in one semester like they used to in college. Also, when dealing with promotions, if you become anxious in a couple of  years when you are not seeing progress in your current job and decide to move to another company, you probably have to start all over again, when waiting an extra year could have made the difference at your existing job.
  • Take challenges at work; everyone does their normal 8 to 5, but to stand out you have to be willing to take challenges. That project that your boss wants as an improvement and no one else is willing to take may be the one that gets you recognized and on a better career path. Also, taking challenges will force you to learn new things and become a more valuable employee.
  • Always have a positive attitude. Yes, I can guarantee you that there will be stressful days at work, tough co-workers to deal with, deadlines to meet, and many other things that will make you forget why you even got into this job. But becoming bitter will not solve anything. Instead remain positive and look for ways to improve the design, improve the process, improve the work relationships, or improve the schedules. There is always room for improvement, and as an engineer, that’s one thing you should always remember.
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by eraucso on March 4, 2013  •  Permalink
Posted in Alumni Spotlight Series, Success Stories
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Posted by eraucso on March 4, 2013

http://eraucso.wordpress.com/2013/03/04/alumni-career-spotlight-gonzalo-canseco/

Co-op/Internship Spotlight: Steven Bohlemann

photoSteven Bohlemann is a senior in the Aerospace Engineering program, concentrating on Propulsion with a minor in Aircraft Maintenance Science at the Daytona Beach campus. Through his minor, Steven is working on his A&P license. Steven has completed two internships to date and just started his third. His first internship was completed with GE Global Research in Munich during his junior year after a semester of Study Abroad in Germany; his second was with Lufthansa Technik Aircraft Component Services in the United States. Steven will be spending this semester working as a Service Engineering Intern with United Airlines in Houston, TX.

How did you land your internships, and how did you navigate the process?

I obtained the internship with United Airlines in their Service Engineering Department in Houston, TX as a result of the Industry/Career Expo. Make sure to go prepared to the interview; you don’t need to be an expert about the company but know simple facts. Also, the most important advice, I unfortunately realized a little late, is to BE YOURSELF in the interview. I used to think I would have to be exactly who I thought they were looking for, and this always made me really nervous. In my experiences, I have accepted three internships and been offered more; I found I had the best results when I prepared for the interview. While I change my daily attire and behavior to fit the formal occasion, I do not hide who I am. I clearly tell them what I love to do and why I am passionate about it, and if they ask, I tell them my deficiencies as well as dislikes. Remember if you play it safe, like I used to do, you will never be put at the bottom of the pile, but you will remain safely and jobless in the middle of the pile of applicants. You have to stand out. All of us, even us engineers, have unique personalities and sets of skills; let those shine through in an interview.

What have you done, and what will you be doing on your next internship?

I completed my first internship my junior year while I was having the time of my life studying abroad in Germany. I studied there for a semester, and the following semester, I was lucky enough to get an internship with GE in their Research Center in Munich, which at the time was one of their four Global Research Centers in the world. These research centers were where the next leap of technology were created, and it was incredibly awesome to work with those people. I worked in the energy production system department. I learned so much from this internship and really loved it. I became hooked on the internship experience.

My second internship was with Lufthansa Technik Aircraft Component Services in the United States. This one was far less technical when compared to my GE experience, but it was great to get another perspective on how the business and technical world coexist. I did a lot of reliability and performance studies of various components which was then presented to customers where financial consequences were discussed.

My third internship will be with United Airlines with their Service Engineering Department in Houston, TX. I am really excited to be able to call a hangar filled with airplanes, including the new 787, the office where I work.

What advice do you have for students seeking an internship?

Do not wait; I regret not going to Career Services my freshman and sophomore years and not attending the career fairs. While you most likely will not get an internship your freshmen year, get out there and practice. I used to be a very shy person and was super awkward in these type of situations. The only way you are going to get over those feelings of fear and intimidation is to PRACTICE. Put yourself in uncomfortable and foreign situations; you will inevitably learn and grow from the experience.

Did your international status cause you any challenges in attaining an internship in Germany?

It was hard to get an internship in Germany as my conversational German was pretty fluent, but I severely lacked technical German language skill, which made it harder, but not impossible, to get a position. Where there is a will there is a way, and I got an internship and overcame the language barrier. My co-workers were patient and very helpful. I was even able at the end of the internship to give a 15 minute technical presentation in German, all thanks to their help and patience with me during my internship. Here in the US, I had no problem as I am an American citizen.

What are your career aspirations and have they changed since you started your internships?

Other than being able to accumulate technical knowledge and skills from internships, these experiences have also helped me decide what I want and what I do not want to do. For example, I never thought I would’ve liked to work in Research and Development, as I mistakenly used to think it would be boring and not hands-on enough for me. I was hesitant to accept my internship at GE’s research center, but ultimately I said, I am here in Germany to expose myself to new adventures, so I decided to accept the offer. There is almost no other event in my life that has influenced me more professionally and personally than my internship at GE. I desire to ultimately work in field service/support engineering or R&D. I like that both career paths are exciting in their own respects. I would either like to be part of a team in R&D which may develop the next technological breakthrough or in field service engineering where you never know what you will be doing that day, as you cannot predict the problem that lands on your desk. From my own experiences, I have realized I love creating and building devices which are solutions to difficult, out of the norm problems, and I enjoy thinking outside of the box.

What advice would you give students who are contemplating doing an internship experience?

Umm…why in the world is someone contemplating if they should or should not do an internship? As respectfully as possible, I would say it would be ridiculous and, frankly, not smart to pass up the opportunity to do an internship. The whole purpose of going to school is to become educated to ultimately land a job in the real world. While school gives you a great foundation, it amounts to very little if it is not coupled with real world, practical experience which can be achieved through an internship. Through an internship you convert the raw knowledge learned in school into practical useful knowledge and a set of skills for your career. Doing an internship does not remotely guarantee a job; it does provide you the opportunity to set yourself apart from the next candidate, and hopefully with some luck, it is enough to get your dream job.

Please tell us about your learning experiences, both professionally and personally. What are the benefits you will take away from these experiences?

I have been at ERAU now for 5 years; I am pursuing my Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering with AOC in propulsion and a minor in Aviation Maintenance Science (obtaining my A&P License). When I look back on my college experience, I think of all the fun I had being part of the university soccer team, going to study abroad, great memories from various clubs, fun times with friends, and my internship experiences. These are the best times of our lives, so I cannot say enough, we should get out there and experience all that we can. Now is the time to try and pursue your different interests and truly see where your passion lies.

I can say my life changed when I went to study abroad, an experience which is by far the best decision I have made in my life. Not only did I have the most fun of my life, I grew as a person academically, professionally, and personally. My internship at GE Global Research Center in Munich was a great learning experience, as I was working for an American company in Germany, and my colleagues were from all over the world, to just name a few: Spain, Ireland, England,  Germany, America, Kenya, China, Mexico, Italy, Singapore and many more. This proved challenging in the beginning, as each culture was different, but what I took away was there were many different ways to get to the right answer, and you didn’t always have the right one. I learned how to work with a group of multicultural people and concluded that a diverse team may have initial short term obstacles, but I believe they are more effective and stronger in the long term than a culturally homogenous team. When employers ask me about a hard experience I went through or why I think I am a strong team player, I have a myriad of stories to provide them of evidence through the EXPERIENCE I had of living, studying and working abroad.

At GE, I was lucky to work as part of a team of scientists who took me under their wings, and they strongly impacted the person I am today and the professional I hope to be one day. I can say, I got my second internship as a result of my study abroad experience; they really liked that.  I took the lessons from GE to Lufthansa Technik, where I was mentored as well and was able to continue to develop my professional skills. These skills are invaluable to my career, and you do not learn these in school. You have to go out and experience these lessons, and hopefully, you do this before you begin your full time career.

Also, from my internship experience  and help from my advisor, I realized it would be a good choice for me to get my Airframe and Powerplant license to complement my engineering degree. I would have never done this had it not been for my time at GE, where I saw the value of not just designing some theoretical device, but also the ability to build it and comprehend the difficulties that come with constructing and maintaining components. I have definitely seen the benefit of pursuing my A&P license along with my engineering degree from employers this past career fair, as this was often the topic of conversation when I conversed with them.

I hope more students embark on adventures while in college, if that be through studying abroad, getting an internship, or putting themselves in some type of new foreign environment/experience, because not only will this make them a better professional  but also a more well-rounded person. One of my favorite quotes is from Mark Twain: “Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do.  So throw off the bowlines.  Sail away from the harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” I believe we should live life to the fullest and experience all we can while in college, and that includes doing an INTERNSHIP!

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by eraucso on January 21, 2013  •  Permalink
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Posted by eraucso on January 21, 2013

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Conference Spotlight: National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) Annual Convention

by Kristy Amburgey

DSC_3557Attending conferences and events is an excellent way to professionally network, learn new information as related to your career and identify employment opportunities.  The National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) 39th Annual Convention, to be held March 27 – 31, 2013 in Indianapolis, Indiana, is a great example of an event where you can both personally and professionally grow.  In fact, the annual NSBE conference, and the many events they host throughout the year, has resulted in great success stories for Embry-Riddle students and alumni.  Two such success stories come from Marie-Jeanne Steady Ndiaye (or MJ) and Vincent Bell.  We asked both of these alumni to share their experiences with the NSBE Convention.

Why did you decide to attend NSBE in 2012?

MJ: It was a very simple and pragmatic decision to come to. As an undergraduate student, I tried to attend as many professional conferences /conventions as I could; it is the best way to meet industry leaders and others who share your enthusiasm about your field.  The other reason why I attended the convention is that I quite frankly liked not being the “odd one out”. There typically aren’t many minority attendants; there’s this belief that we are not interested in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics), so it’s nice to be reminded it is just a “myth”.

Vincent: I decided to attend the NSBE (National Society of Black Engineers) Convention in 2012 after talking to Mr. Mark Lyden about working for The Boeing Company at the end of February or early March 2012.  He told me that Boeing and various companies go to the convention to hire knowledgeable minorities.  So my main reason for going was to obtain a job after graduating from ERAU.  However, I also saw an opportunity to present what I was working on at that time at the conference when I saw there were so many cancellations in the conference presentation schedule.

What was the conference like for you?

MJ: It was a bit overwhelming at first because there were thousands of attendees rushing and buzzing around. There was a multitude of sessions, workshops, and discussions panels. I just didn’t know how I was going to make the most of the convention and what events to attend. All I knew was that I wanted to take it ALL in!

Vincent: The conference was great, and I had an unbelievable experience.  The first day that I got there I met up with couple of other ERAU students.  And Mr. Lyden, who I had been in contact with prior to the convention, wanted to meet with all the ERAU students that attended the conference, and he invited us to an exclusive Boeing talk, to where we were able to talk to Boeing managers and Boeing engineers that came for the conference.  The second day I ended up presenting on what I was conducting research on with Dr. Bereket Berhane.

Everyone that has been to an ERAU career fair would enjoy the NSBE Convention.  The convention is one huge career fair with so many engineering companies/firms and graduate schools trying to get qualified students to come to their program and study. Plus this gives the companies opportunity to see what you know by means of presentation.  For example, after my first interview, which was with Boeing, I invited my two interviewers to my presentation, and one actually came.  So it was great experience for your potential employer to see what you know and how well you can present information to others that may or may not be as knowledgeable on the subject at hand.

Overall, it was great, and the feedback I received was amazing.

Where there any outcomes from NSBE Conference?

MJ: Definitely! I really enjoyed the Educational Sessions, including:

  • Professional Development sessions -  provided me with soft skills to my academic and professional career ahead
  • Mentoring sessions – provided a framework that I used for my grad school selection/application process. That session also helped me outline for myself how I wanted to maximize my grad school experience
  • Outreach sessions – we had an opportunity to interact with local high schoolers, conducting experiments and answering questions about different STEM fields. This sparked my interest for Science Outreach and more specifically promoting Space Ethos. So much so, that when I started working at the Kennedy Space Center, I joined the Speakers Bureau, which is a group of volunteers who represent the center at civic, professional, educational, and other public events. Bureau members are exceptionally qualified to discuss general and specific aspects of the activities and technologies associated with the space flight program

Vincent: Of course the big aerospace companies were there (Lockheed Martin, Boeing, Raytheon, Northrop Grumman, and others).  So I earned 5 interviews in those three days: Boeing, Raytheon, Goldman Sachs, Northrop Grumman, and Texas Instruments.

The interview with Northrop Grumman was for thermal analysis engineering, and I never heard anything back from them.  The Texas Instruments interview was for mechanical engineering.  Texas Instruments never contacted me back again.  The interview with Goldman Sachs was for financial analyst, where, if I received an offer, I would be inspecting engineering project funding.  I had a follow up phone interview but ultimately did not receive an offer.  The interview with Raytheon was for Navigation, Guidance, Control (GNC) engineering and with the Raytheon Missile Systems.  Raytheon Missile Systems actually flew me to Tucson, AZ for a hiring event with about 100 other applicants for various job openings.  I ultimately received a job offer with them.  My interview with Boeing was for a fuel system engineer.  The day after this interview, I was told that I would receive an offer within the month for a job with Boeing.   I took the job with Boeing over Raytheon.

Why should students/alumni attend this conference?

MJ: Three words: networking, development, and exposure! I think that is pretty self-explanatory. If you are a black engineer, you NEED to attend the national convention.

Because the National Convention focuses mainly on the big 4 (Electrical, Mechanical, Software, and Civil Engineering), I would strongly urge ERAU students with interest in space to join the NSBE Space Special Interest Group (commonly referred to as Space SIG). It is one of NSBE’s star programs and is opened to college students as well as alumni.

They are actually hosting a conference in January, Space Technology Session 2013 (next one won’t be until 2015!) that is unlike other conferences in that it is actually a hands-on engineering session.  Participants are divided into groups with each group being assigned to work on a pre-defined set of deliverables for one of NSBE’s space-related technical projects.   It offers students an opportunity to work in an apprentice-like setting with industry engineers, managers, and scientists. This is how I developed and honed my technical proficiency!

Vincent: Students and alumni should attend this conference because companies come to this convention to hire participants.   Knowing that you have a huge chance of getting hired is a main reason why the ERAU family should attend.  Even if you are a freshman, you can standout for the upcoming years and help your chances either with a job or internship, when you are ready.  When you are looking for a job and applying via the internet, companies do not know you nor see your passion.  They only see what you put on your resume at the time.  And that is if you did your resume right and tailored your resume to that job announcement to which you just applied.  But at this conference you are talking to people who are eager to talk to you to see what you know, and you can pick apart their brains at any time.  They want you to ask a lot of questions as much as possible.  Companies are really looking for the best applicant possible that they can hire.  So I think for ERAU students and alumni, we are those types of people that they can hire and train very easily.

Vincent also has some additional advice for students who will be graduating soon.

The advice I would give students who are graduating soon is to go out there and apply and apply to all jobs for which you are qualified.  Before I went the NSBE Convention, I applied to about 350 jobs in 2 and half months.  From these that I applied to, I only heard back from 10 or 15 of the companies.  None of them offered me a job at all.  After the NSBE Convention, I had two offers after talking to 5 companies.

Another piece of advice I will give is when you get a chance to have an interview (either over the phone or in person), ask as many questions that pertain to the job or the betterment of you ultimately receiving an offer.  For example, in every interview that I have had over the past 2 years, I have asked the employers what about my resume stood out to them.  If something stood out to them, it possibly may stand out to others as well.  Another question I have asked is what is something that I can change (either on the resume or the interview itself) that will help with next interview you may have.  This question will show employers you are eager to learn something new about yourself and work on weaknesses that may be apparent to them.  Also, you should ask questions on relevant projects that company has worked on and/or on which they are currently working.  This will show your interest in the company with which you are hoping to get a job.

At the end of your interview, make sure you have business cards of all those people that interviewed you.  Wait about a week or two and then email them.  In your email, you just want to tell them thank you for the opportunity to talk to them.  You are not asking where you stand in the interview process.  This step will allow you to pop back up in their head because they received an email from you, and it is another way to stand out above the rest of the people that they may have interviewed.

I hope these tips help all ERAU students and alumni get jobs upon graduating.

Based on our alumni feedback, you can see that the NSBE Convention is a great opportunity for candidates seeking opportunities, both right now and in the future.  Besides professional development and networking opportunities, you will have access to many premier companies who are hiring like Battelle, Boeing, CIA, General Dynamics, Johnson Controls, Lockheed Martin, Toyota, United Technologies Corporation and many more.

Kristy Amburgey is the Associate Director of Career Services – Daytona Beach campus and currently manages marketing and employer relations for the department.  She has been with Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University for approximately 10 years and with Career Services for nine years.

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by eraucso on January 14, 2013  •  Permalink
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Posted by eraucso on January 14, 2013

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Co-op/Intern Spotlight: Jake Sleyster

Jake Sleyster, Senior, Aerospace Engineering

Jake Sleyster is an Aerospace Engineering senior at the Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Prescott, AZ campus. During the past two summers, Jake has worked as an Engineering Intern at Tamarack Aerospace in Sandpoint, ID, completing numerous projects and gaining experience that will benefit him greatly when he graduates this coming May. Jake works in the Embry-Riddle Admissions department as an Admissions Representative and Senior Tour Guide. He is also a member of Sigma Chi and captain of the Embry-Riddle Lacrosse team/club.

What kind of work did you do as an Engineering Intern at Tamarack Aerospace?

Tamarack is a small company, so I did a lot of everything, from design of aircraft accessories, reverse engineering of a throttle knob, test equipment, composite wet layups, and assembly of tips to wings taking into account deflection, riveting and wrote reports that were submitted to the FAA. I worked with two DERS on design certifications.

Did you work on the new Atlas program?

A little bit, but I’m under NDA, which is non-disclosure agreement. Take a look at the recent press releases on the Cirrus.

What was it like working at a small company? 

It’s like a family; we worked six days a week of long hours. Being at the airport, we watched planes land, and there was a fly-in of experimental planes at the airport. There was an experimental plane that landed belly down with no landing gear, so we got in a taco truck with our fire extinguishers. When we got there, the A&P told us we needed to get it on its wheels, so about 10 of us lifted it up, and got the gear extended.

What skills came in handy and what skills did you develop?

Knowing how to write reports, shop skills, CAD, and electrical engineering, in addition to my core aerospace courses.

How did you land the internship, and how did you navigate the process?

It’s in my hometown. The owner was my lacrosse coach in high school, and he wrote my recommendation to get into ERAU. Networking is key.

Do you think it was important to do an internship?

Yes. It taught me what it’s like in the aviation world, aircraft components, concepts that classes alone can’t teach you. At the Career Expo, employers seemed more interested in me and my experiences than some other students. I think they spent more time talking to me than they would have if I didn’t have internship experience.

What did you do while on your second summer there?

Being the senior intern was cool. I reviewed the work of newly graduated mechanical engineers and worked alongside high-level engineers.

Did you gain any knowledge that will be useful to you back at school?

Understanding composites and strain gauges helped me with S&I class and Materials. Also, actually seeing how and why we do things is very important.

You got to represent Tamarack at AOPA. Tell us about that.

It was another great opportunity to talk about Tamarack to small and large companies, plus I got to experience an AOPA Aviation Summit – the aviation vibe is even stronger there than on campus.

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by eraucso on November 12, 2012  •  Permalink
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Posted by eraucso on November 12, 2012

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Alumni Career Spotlight: Jonathan L.S. Castillo-Reminick

Jonathan L.S. Castillo-Reminick, DB 2009

Jonathan L.S. Castillo-Reminick graduated in 2009 with his Bachelor of Science degree in Aerospace Engineering.  While a student at ERAU, Jonathan had a strong interest in working and living abroad.  After completing a self-created internship with MTU Aero Engines in Munich, Germany, he helped establish an engineering internship recruiting relationship between MTU and ERAU that continues today.  From his experience at MTU Aero Engines, he built a network of contacts that helped him to find career opportunities living and working abroad after graduation.

Tell us about your current position and how you obtained this opportunity.

I currently work as a Stress and Aerodynamics Engineer at Assystem Germany GmbH in Munich. They are an engineering subcontractor based in France (the name translating to “Ace System”), and the aerospace division in which I now work used to be subsidiary of MTU Aero Engines but became a part of Assystem in 2011.

After finishing my degree at ERAU, I arranged an internship at MTU Aero Engines in their Turbine Aerodynamics department. Because I had used a number of their published research papers in my Detail Design project, I was familiar with many of the technologies they were developing. Following that internship, I continued to work as a Student Employee, first directly at MTU, then as an External Employee through Assystem. After the project with MTU ended, I started working on Stress Analysis projects for Rolls-Royce Germany. There were numerous complications in writing my contracts along the way because of my visa status, but thanks to very helpful and flexible supervisors and the German immigration authorities, I’m now well on my way to earning residency.

How did your overseas internship prepare you for your current position?

My very first internship was during my studies at MTU. This contributed to opening up future opportunities in two critical ways: becoming intimately familiar with jet engines and learning German. My first internship was on the production floor, so English was a rarity, as was textbook German, because most spoke the strong Bavarian dialect. Thus I was forced to start speaking quickly. On a technical level, working on the production floor gave me insight into parts of the engine and their different manufacturing methods. Of course having already worked for the company, albeit in an unrelated position, was probably beneficial too.

Overseas positions require a Curriculum Vitae. Is there anything in particular students should highlight on this document?

CVs, in my experience, vary from country to country. The first thing to remember is to leave out the “Objective” line as seen on U.S. resumes. Education and relevant work experience should be on the front page–and yes–two pages is perfectly normal, even for entry-level applicants. When applying internationally, remember that education systems differ across the globe, so make sure you communicate how many years your degree takes and what the grades mean. For example: you might have a 3.8, but a 4.0 is failing in Germany!! Let them know 4.0 is the best attainable grade.

Also, don’t forget the meaning of “Curriculum Vitae”–Latin for “the course of life.” List relevant and also interesting things you have done or accomplished in life, such as living in different places, learning languages, hobbies, etc. Stays (not just vacations) abroad are especially seen in high regard, as is community service.

What were some of the challenges you faced moving outside the U.S. and adapting to your new position?

The most critical part of working overseas is also the most basic element: moving. Unless you plan on working within a few flying or driving hours of home or somewhere familiar, the act of uprooting your life can be hard and traumatic–not just for you, but also for loved ones and friends. Because I come from an international family, this was not a problem for me personally, but I have many friends for whom it was. I have seen how this is the single most challenging part of moving. Some made the move and stayed, some left after a year or two, and some never made it over once they realized the implications it would have. Consider this deeply and honestly.

Aside from that, there are the usual issues of the different stages of culture shock that people go through: language barriers, eating differently, and different perspectives on the world. I was confronted with all sorts of new things that are normal in Germany, but at best eccentric in the U.S. Some of it may sound ridiculous at first, but the most important thing is to keep an open mind and never stop asking “why?” – Why are so many Germans sporty? Why are they so concerned about sustainability when they’re already the most efficient country on the planet? Why are they so sensitive about their Nazi past? Why are they such big fans of U.S. culture but not of our politics?

Which brings me to the third most important part of living in a different culture: don’t be shy about your own! For example, don’t let people get you down about “bad American beer.” There are many wonderful beers in the U.S.  As an American, I have had to deal with all sorts of criticism from people that are dissatisfied with our foreign policy. Make it clear that they have a right to their opinion but that you don’t single handedly run the country. Every country has blemishes in its past, so don’t be afraid to stand up for the U.S.A.!

What advice do you have for students wanting to work/live abroad?

Looking  for work overseas is very similar to looking for work in the States. Research companies well and write directed and purposeful applications. Establish contact with someone at the company and follow up on that. Networks that are built internationally are very useful, because you never know who knows who and who might be important to you later. As you may have noticed, a healthy career usually needs a good deal of Vitamin C–Connections. Don’t know anyone at a company? Not a problem, contact their HR, see if they’re holding a seminar at a university, read up on their accomplishments and see if you catch a name.

Universities abroad also hold career fairs just like at ERAU, and nothing stops you from browsing websites. Find the website of a career fair in the country you’re interested in and see which companies operate there–you might be surprised! As English is the working language around the world and international students are everywhere, almost every site is also in English.

Back at home, be sure to turn over every rock, because you never know where a golden opportunity lies. Use all of the resources you have!

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by eraucso on November 5, 2012  •  Permalink
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Co-op/Internship Spotlight: Shyamal “Sam” Patel

Shyamal Patel, DB AE

Shyamal “Sam” Patel is a junior in the Aerospace Engineering program at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s Daytona Beach campus, specializing in Astronautics. In addition to his major course of study, Sam is minoring in Mathematics, Space Studies, Aerospace Life Sciences, and Homeland Security. Sam has completed internships/co-ops with five companies: Northrop Grumman, NASA Kennedy Space Center, The Boeing Company, Masten Space Systems, and most recently with SpaceX. While he finishes his degree, Sam is working on side projects and consulting on his previous project with SpaceX. He is also a Private Pilot and Emergency Medical Technician.

How did you land your co-ops/internships, and how did you navigate the process?

During my sophomore year, I went to the Career Expo and spoke with the SpaceX representatives and learned more about the company. Later that day they had an informational talk in which they discussed more about internships. I learned from the presentation that the most important aspect when considering an intern for SpaceX is their hands-on experience. I used this bit of information the following year during the Career Expo, focusing on my hands-on experience while speaking to SpaceX representatives. I obtained my practical experience from previous internships and university organizations. During my Masten Space Systems and NASA internships,  I gained valuable hands-on experience with fluid systems. Organizations like ERFSEDS and Society for S.P.A.C.E. provided me with additional practical experience with high powered rocketry and working in teams. They were impressed with this experience and called me out to their Cape Canaveral launch pad for an interview. During this interview, I again used my hands-on experience to influence and guide the interview. Within five minutes of leaving the interview, I was called and told that I had landed a co-op for the spring and summer of 2012. My recommendation to students is to really listen to what employers want in an intern and focus on those aspects heavily when talking to representatives and during the interview phase.

What opportunities are available for students at SpaceX?

There are many opportunities available for students at SpaceX. One of the benefits is that there are opportunities in different locations: Cape Canaveral, FL; McGregor, TX; Vandenberg, CA; Hawthorne CA. I interned at the launch site in Cape Canaveral. There, students get to work with the launch operations group, which involves final vehicle integration and launch/mission execution. The Texas facility is primarily focused on testing the various propulsion systems of the Falcon 9 and Dragon spacecraft. Most of the opportunities for students are located at headquarters in Hawthorne, CA. In Hawthorne, students get the opportunity to work with all of the groups, including: Avionics, Dynamics, Launch Operations, Manufacturing, Propulsion, and Structures.

What advice would you give students who are contemplating doing an internship experience?

Students who are contemplating doing an internship should know that internships are incredible experiences. An internship is your chance to finally see what your field has to offer. I personally believe that I have learned more practical knowledge during my internships than I have in the classroom. Sure, the classroom teaches you the basics, but the basics do not do you any good if you do not know how to use them. Internships are there to fill the gap between theory and seeing it in action.

When I received my offer from SpaceX, I was given a spring and summer co-op. That meant that I had to skip the spring semester and push back graduation. At first, I was on the fence about accepting the co-op because of this push back. I realized that graduating one semester later would be worth the co-op experience. I learned firsthand that the experience you gain far outweighs any cost, even if that means graduating later than expected.

In what ways has your co-op experience impacted your college experience?

My college experience has been greatly impacted as a result of my co-op. My co-op has bridged the gap between what I have been learning in the classroom and how to use such knowledge in industry. During my co-op, I learned many concepts that are just now coming up in my classes. This has made my classes easier because I am already familiar with some of the topics, and it is easier now to follow along.  With this comes a new perspective about classes. I now look at the small topics taught in class and try to find out ways in which they can help me when I return to SpaceX.

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by eraucso on October 22, 2012  •  Permalink
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Co-op/Internship Spotlight: Joshua Ehrlich

Joshua Ehrlich, BS AE/MS ME ERAU

Joshua Ehrlich, DB, MS Mechanical Engineering

Joshua Ehrlich received a Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Florida in May 2011. As an undergraduate student, Joshua completed two internships with United Launch Alliance and an internship with the NASA Space Florida Academy. When he began his graduate studies in Mechanical Engineering at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University last fall, he was determined to obtain a graduate-level internship. His hard work paid off, and he recently completed a Graduate Engineering internship with NASA at Kennedy Space Center.

How did you learn about this internship opportunity?

From the middle of the fall 2011 semester to the end of March, I was applying for as many internship positions as I could find every day, across the globe. I used the internet to my full advantage targeting websites geared specifically towards college students, as well job recruitment businesses and private company websites. I specifically applied towards a NASA internship program that involved a great deal of paperwork and supplementary documentation for my application, which included lengthy essays and recommendation letters from professional references. However, I was told by a fellow student that there was an additional internship within NASA called the Kennedy Intern Program (now called the NASA Pathways Intern Employment Program (IEP)). I applied, simply sending my resume and transcripts to the email provided in mid-February; I received an offer in mid-April and accepted. My advice: No matter how big, small, easy or lengthy an internship application or process may be, take advantage of every opportunity available to you, whether it’s a Fortune 500 business or a 40-person small firm. You’ll be happy you did when you get the call.

As a graduate student, why did you think it was important to obtain an internship?

I highly recommend obtaining an internship while a graduate student, especially if you did not have any extracurricular experience with a company as an undergraduate student. Internship experience reveals to companies, either when you apply for a secondary internship or a job after graduation, that you are desired and are equipped with a skill set that other potential rivaling companies seek. Internship experience prepares the student for what the lifestyle is like as a full-time employee. You learn and develop certain professional standards, communication skills, and technical knowledge that are not only specific to the company for which you are interning for but for the general field of work you are pursuing down the road. Additionally, an internship proves to both you and the company you are working for that you either are or are not capable of ‘keeping up’ with other employees, that you are able to provide support with the skills and qualities you possess and then some without having somebody watching over you; you must have the desire to work with minimal oversight. An intern gains experience by understanding what they are capable of in the workforce, as well as gaining the confidence to excel above and beyond the call of duty.

What projects did you work on while completing your internship with NASA?

I was involved in numerous projects within several divisions during my time at Kennedy Space Center. I was splitting my time between the System Engineering & Integration division and the Materials Engineering & Processes division. I tested and analyzed composite infusion processes for the Composites for Exploration (CoEx) project for the intent of developing and analyzing dry composite structures and materials technologies for future space exploration applications. Additionally, I supplied system requirements in the design of the Science Carrier Unit (SCU) for the Advanced Plant Habitat (APH) system, an International Space Station (ISS) scientific payload to be delivered in 2015. I also supported APH mechanical design teams in developing Pro-Engineer models of the Expedite The Processing of Experiments to the Space Station  (EXPRESS) currently installed on the ISS under the APH project. Finally, I developed flight safety data packages, design verification matrices, and verification & validation procedures for qualification testing and supported fellow engineers in the build of VEGGIE, a small-scale expandable plant growth system to be sent to the ISS in 2013.

 What piece of career advice would you like to share with those seeking an internship/co-op experience?

 My advice to students seeking an internship/co-op, especially those who have no prior internship experience, is to become active on campus. Pursue research opportunities, attend clubs meetings/socials, and participate in any extracurricular activities that are presented to you or are available. You cannot be another face in the crowd, but rather a leader outside the classroom. To put it simple: You must want it! You are competing with hundreds of other candidates, so you need to ask yourself, “How am I going to stand out from the rest? What do I have to offer that makes me a highly desired candidate?” An internship will not be handed to you, so the only way for you to be offered the opportunity is for you to earn it. One last piece of advice I offer is do not give up. You will receive more rejections than offers, a lot more. But all you need is one, one offer to be presented to you. So take advantage of your time, become active at school, and apply for as many internships openings as possible, and you will succeed.

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by eraucso on September 10, 2012  •  Permalink
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Alumni Career Spotlight: Algeria “Queenie” Morse

Algeria Queen Morse

Queenie Morse, DB 2004/2012

Queenie Morse is a 2004 graduate of Embry-Riddle’s BS in Aerospace Engineering program and a 2012 graduate of the MS in Mechanical Engineering program. As a student, Queenie completed an internship as a Space Station Systems Engineer Intern with The Boeing Company at NASA Johnson Space Center. During her time as a student, she also worked for Siemens Westinghouse Power Corporation and FlightSafety International. Additionally,  Queenie attained experience before attending ERAU as a member of the United States Navy.  Upon graduation, Queenie graduated and accepted a position with Northrop Grumman Aerospace Systems, where she worked for several years. Today, she is a Launch Vehicle Engineer with United Launch Alliance and has hopes of one day becoming an astronaut.

How did your internship with Boeing at NASA help you to identify your career focus and/or goals?

Queenie Morse and Eileen CollinsI would say that my most memorable experience at NASA was getting to work alongside astronauts.  It was a goal of mine to one day submit my own astronaut application.  I worked on a project with Eileen Collins (the first female shuttle commander) and had a chance to speak with her on a personal level.  We spoke about what the application process entailed, and she encouraged me to apply multiple times and that most astronauts apply several times before making the cut.  We even spoke about what it was like for her to juggle being an astronaut with being a wife and a mom.

In addition to Ms. Collins, astronaut Steve Robinson also gave me memorable advice.  He told me to structure a fulfilling career and a personal life for myself and let becoming an astronaut be a bonus and not a necessity.  He said that in addition to skills, the selection board looks for well-rounded and fun individuals.  In so many words, he was telling me to work hard but still have some fun and enjoy life.  After all, according to him, the astronaut candidate interview consists of only one question, “So…tell us about yourself.”  I have recalled his advice many times in the last 10 years when making career decisions.

How have the contacts and networking you did on your internship and subsequent jobs  been a benefit to you in your career as an Aerospace Engineer?

In addition to working alongside astronauts during my internship, I gainedAlgeria Queenie Morse with astronauts Steve Robinson and Soichi Noguchi valuable contacts while at NASA.  One notable contact was the mission director for 30 years (now retired) at NASA’s Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory.  We have kept in contact for many years since my internship ended in 2003.  He has been a great mentor and a great reference whenever I needed it.  I recently submitted my first astronaut candidate package, and he eagerly agreed to serve as a reference for me.  This will be a very valuable reference because he knows most of the people in the astronaut selection office.  I am very honored that I gained this connection during my internship at NASA.

How do you feel about students continuing their education directly after completing an undergraduate degree versus gaining experience in the field before entering into a graduate program?

I found working as a full-time engineer and simultaneously pursuing masters courses to be a challenge.  It took a lot longer for me to graduate since I traveled for work and I could only take one class at a time and sometimes no classes at all. Working in the aerospace industry and supporting launches can be very demanding (but rewarding) at times.  There are instances of heavy overtime and travel which is based on launch schedules and/or unpredictable launch delays.

If I could do it again, I would eagerly choose the 5-year bachelor/masters track and get it done all at once.  Because of work demands, it took nearly four years to complete my masters degree.  However, it was nice that my company paid for my masters education!

What are your plans for the future? 

I have now been working in the aerospace community for nearly 10 years.  As a long-time employee with Northrop Grumman Aerospace Systems, I had the pleasure of working in Los Angeles, Florida and Europe.  I have been lucky enough to land jobs building and launching payloads and now rockets.  I recently started a new position with United Launch Alliance (ULA).  ULA builds and launches rockets.  It feels like all my hard work and studies definitely paid off.  What better jobs for an aerospace engineer than to build and launch payloads and rockets! Well, I guess that depends on if I am selected by the astronaut selection office.  I recently submitted my first astronaut application, and I am eagerly awaiting the results!

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by eraucso on August 20, 2012  •  Permalink
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Posted by eraucso on August 20, 2012

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Co-op/Intern Spotlight: Christoffer Laulund

Christoffer Laulund, ERAU

Christoffer Laulund, Senior, AE

Christoffer Laulund is a senior in the Aerospace Engineering program at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Daytona Beach campus. As an international student, Christoffer had additional hurdles to cross in order to obtain an internship. However, through a stellar academic record,  perseverance and networking, he landed an internship this summer as an Engineering Intern with Gulfstream Aerospace in Savannah, GA.

As an International student, you know there are many challenges in finding internship opportunities in the U.S. What steps did you take to overcome these hurdles?

As an international student, the odds are even more heavily stacked against you in the quest for an internship than if a student has the “US person” status. This is the case, not necessarily because international students are less sought after, but simply because many companies, often due to federal regulations, are restricted to employ US person status employees. Nevertheless, it is not at all impossible to land an internship, even the internship you always wanted.

I have always admired Gulfstream and their airplanes, and if I had to choose one company to work for that I knew accepted international students, Gulfstream would be the one. To overcome the seemingly impossibly large obstacle of getting hired, I used the resources available to me: my knowledge, my contacts, EagleHire, and company hiring websites.

How did you land the internship, and how did you navigate the process?

Through the use of the already mentioned resources, I finally got a call from Gulfstream. They had actually declined my online applications, but that does (apparently) not mean there is no way of getting the job. I had provided one of my contacts, whom I knew was in contact with Gulfstream on a regular basis, with my resume, and she forwarded it to the recruitment team at Gulfstream. There were no guarantees of course, but ultimately that resume, printed on paper and handed from person to person the old fashioned way, got me the internship I am currently doing. The recruitment team at Gulfstream had forwarded my resume to one of the hiring managers who in turn liked it and asked that they call me and offer me the job…just like that. Of course, hard work has to be put in regardless of which path one aims to take to get an internship or a job. My contact thought highly of me and had no qualms recommending me. My resume was strong thanks to good grades and other experiences. And last but not least, I kept pursuing what I wanted.

What advice do you have for students seeking an internship?

Oftentimes it can seem like an insurmountable feat to be given the opportunity to show off your skills to an employer and gain the experience that is so valuable and useful further down the line. However, when you are just about to snap the laptop shut in frustration over filling out one more form and uploading one more cover letter, remember that there are other ways of approaching the problem. I am not saying that you should not fill out that one additional form; on the contrary, I am merely saying that going about it in another way and using the people and recourses around you can get you very far. It can even get you all the way. In addition, it can motivate you to push through with just one more application. In the end, there is only one that really matters.

What do you expect to learn from your upcoming experience?

While at Gulfstream, I expect to learn about how the company conducts their engineering operations and how engineering outside the classroom and away from the books is done. I expect to develop my critical thinking skills and to become better at asking pertinent questions. Additionally I expect to learn one or two engineering software packages in more depth. The experience is also likely to expose me to a variety of different teams and ways of working, which will teach me about approaching problems in several ways and how to modify the approach as one works through the problem. Oh, and I expect to have fun!

What motivated you to apply to Gulfstream Corporation?

Gulfstream has been on the top of my list of employers ever since I learned that they accept international students. They make the most beautiful, most advanced airplanes in the world and cater to a niche market full of exciting individuals. With such a product line and high prestige, I relished the opportunity of becoming a part of the team that delivered these products. Making even the smallest impact on any of these aircraft would be thrilling. I had also heard nothing but good or great things about working for them from other interns or co-ops that I know from school. Every single one said that the company treated them very well and that they thoroughly enjoyed the experience.

What is one piece of career advice you would like to share?

My experience over that past two years tells me that hard work will be rewarded. Sooner or later an opportunity for you to grab will present itself; it is your responsibility to put yourself in the position to reach out and get it. Although the hard work is important to get to the right position, networking can be equally or more important. Get to know people. Additionally, be approachable and likeable. No one wants to work with people they cannot communicate with or cannot stand the sight of.

Therefore, work hard, talk, network, and connect.

Finally, I would like to give another somewhat intangible advice.  I believe the most important thing in one’s career is to find a line of work that excites you. Enjoy going to work every day, be challenged and relish the challenges that are presented. One can do good work regardless of what state of mind one is in, but great work can only be done if a person is excited about what he or she is doing.  In line with the above, my career advice is: don’t work, play. Find something you are passionate about or really love doing and pursue it. Life will become a playground, and you will be the king/queen.

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by eraucso on August 6, 2012  •  Permalink
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Posted by eraucso on August 6, 2012

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Alumni Career Spotlight: Debarati Ray

Debarati Ray, DB 2011

Debarati Ray received her Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering from Embry-Riddle in May 2011. As a student on a F-1 visa, Debarati knew she would face many challenges in her job search, and she was successful at landing a position as a Systems Engineer in Flight Management Systems, Commercial Systems with Rockwell Collins. Debarati shares her experience and advice.

As an international student, you knew the challenges to finding employment in the US. What did you do to overcome those challenges?

Finding a job is a stressful process for all students. For international students, the lack of opportunity can sometimes be disheartening and discouraging. My most important advice for international students is to remember the reason and purpose for traveling so far away from home. My reason for coming to ERAU was to pursue my lifelong dream of becoming a successful Aerospace Engineer, and I worked very hard to accomplish that. If you work hard to shape yourself into an exceptional student in your field of study, it is hard for companies to turn you down. I got involved  and took up leadership positions in a lot of organizations like Sigma Gamma Tau, Omicron Delta Kappa, Order of Omega, Up ‘Til Dawn, Mentor in ERAU’s First Women’s Mentoring Program, Theta Phi Alpha to name a few.  I gained a lot of time management, organizational, communication and leadership abilities from these organizations. Leadership involvement and organizational skills are one of the key things that all employers keep an eye out for. They are looking for all-round, exceptional students and not just book smarts.

What would you say to an international candidate that would like to pursue employment in the US?

Other than getting involved on campus and acquiring leadership experience, actively search and apply for internships and co-ops. Don’t get discouraged if you do get rejection letters; keep on applying. You never know when a window of opportunity will open up for you. For international students, try and get internships at companies back home for when you go back for summer or winter breaks. Any experience is good experience and will not go to waste.  My sophomore year, I worked for 5 weeks as an intern at MSE Engineering Enterprises in Muscat, Oman. I learned how to electrically calibrate instruments and create verification certificates. I also had to observe and create a process flowchart of the calibration procedure. None of this had anything to do with my degree, but it still gave me the experience of working in a corporate environment. My junior year, I was lucky enough to get a semester-long co-op with the same company and team that I am working for presently. It gave me an insight to the structure of the company and its ways. I also realized that being a Systems Engineer was what I wanted to do.

If you cannot attain an internship or a co-op, ask your professors if you can help out with any research projects that they or the school are working on. This is a great way to gain experience as well. Don’t leave any stone unturned.

How has your Embry-Riddle degree opened doors for you?

I was told by a recruiter at my company that ERAU is one of the few schools where they hire new graduates without a master’s degree, as they are aware of our rigorous curriculum and all the hands on experience that we get.  We have a large ERAU base at our company, and it is great working with the alums on a daily basis. Pursuing and achieving a degree at ERAU means that you have the discipline to work under any condition. ERAU has a great name and reputation in the industry, and you have to live up to it every day.

What is one piece of career advice you would like to share?

Even after getting a job, don’t stop learning. Acquire mentors in your company in fields in which you are interested and want to learn about. Don’t close any doors.

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by eraucso on May 7, 2012  •  Permalink
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Posted by eraucso on May 7, 2012

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