2017 First Engineering Co-op
Anthony
Experience Information
Employer: Trane
Job Title: Mechanical Engineering Intern
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Received Credit: Yes
Paid: Yes
Abroad: No
Description of the Organization
Trane, which is a brand of Ingersoll Rand, is a worldwide company. I had the privilege of working for Trane West Michigan in the Contracting Department, where there are three Project Engineers who I worked along side with to learn quite a bit. We worked under four Project Managers who were each in charge of jobs all over Michigan, based on zones. They manage the jobs and they select which Project Engineer works on what job, and keeps them going by answering any questions they have and by giving deadlines. In the contracting department, we also have subcontractors that we work with to assist us.
Description of the Tasks/Projects Completed
I worked on creating 3D graphics for the Hydronic and Air Handler system's controls we implemented as an interface for the customer we were working for. This way they could easily monitor their equipment from one central site without it being confusing.
Skills/Knowledge Gained Through The Experience
I gained skills in working with AutoCAD and Photoshop software, time management skills, learning about commercial water systems/air handling, and important proper communication skills with customers/co-workers/management/subcontractors.
Favorite Part of the Experience
My favorite part of this co-op experience was that I was able to have freedom in selecting what I got to work on day-to-day. I had a deadline for all the jobs and got to pick what job to work on each day, just as long as I got the jobs done in time. Then, I was also able to see the work physically when I would get to go to sites with the Project Engineer or Project Manager; this was important to the learning of how it all worked.
How the Experience Influenced Future Career Goals
This co-op taught me a lot about this industry, but it also taught me a lot about myself. It taught me that I need a job where I can have some hands-on work, or where I can get out of the office to do some field work. This co-op experience did a great job of teaching me that that was what I need, and allowing me to do so. This showed me that for my future career I will need this, and it will play a big role in selecting what I do for the rest of my life.