Magna Co-op
Zakary
Experience Information
Employer: Magna
Job Title: Mechanical Engineering Intern
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Received Credit: Yes
Paid: Yes
Abroad: No
Description of the Organization
Magna is an extremely large company that specializes in many different aspects of cars (mirrors, door handles, etc.) located all throughout the world. In Grand Rapids, Magna focuses on the design and development of interior and exterior mirrors, as well as door handles and advanced product development.
Description of the Tasks/Projects Completed
Throughout the course of a semester, I put to use my skills learned in classes to help improve on the design of a robot used for cycling. I was also able to help with determining how parts would fit together for a new mirror as well as complete multiple kinds of testing to determine if the mirrors were meeting required standards.
Skills/Knowledge Gained Through The Experience
Through the co-op I have better learned how to read drawings, correctly and efficiently complete a tolerance stack, and how to create designs using 3D modeling systems.
Favorite Part of the Experience
My favorite part was getting to work on the testing of new mirrors and being able to trouble shoot different ways to correctly complete the test. I was able to get hands on experience for designing components as well as understand how and why specific testing would occur.
How the Experience Influenced Future Career Goals
Working on mirrors I have found a whole new world of engineering. It has made me realize that not everything has to do specifically with a motor and how those parts work together. Rather, anything that has movement involved with it is going to most likely have a mechanical engineer working on the design of it.
Internship Format
In Person