EGR 390 Co-op Semester
Kalee
Experience Information
Employer: Burke Porter Machinery
Job Title: Software Engineering Co-op
Major: Computer Engineering
Received Credit: Yes
Paid: Yes
Abroad: No
Description of the Organization
Burke Porter Machinery manufactures testing equipment for cars made by just about every major car manufacturer around the world. We have machines for testing specific parts of the cars such as tires, headlights, and axle alignment, and End Of Line testing, which is done after the car is completely assembled to test the performance of all of the car's parts.
Description of the Tasks/Projects Completed
I was able to work with more of our customers this semester besides GM, including Chrysler, Ford, Tesla, and other car plants where our machines are used. I helped customers directly diagnose and fix software problems, as well as helped our field service personnel from our company fix software issues for the customer. I worked with them either over the phone or through email, and I even worked with personnel from our field service offices in other countries. I was able to do a lot of my projects independently this semester with my boss or my coworkers in my software group checking my work when I was finished instead of helping me throughout the process. I also wrote a new test to perform on the cars that didn't previously exist.
Skills/Knowledge Gained Through The Experience
I learned more about writing software and error-checking inside of software. I also learned how to interact with people who don't necessarily have any training in how software works. I had to figure out how to explain concepts to them and write instructions for them to follow.
Favorite Part of the Experience
My favorite parts of the semester were working with customers to fix issues on our machines both in our shop and at their plants. I was able to go out to a Chrysler plant with another software Engineer from my group this semester. I also worked with a couple people from Ford when they came to our shop to see the machines we would be shipping to their plant. I was able to work with them directly, without supervision, and I had the skills necessary to help fix the software problems with the new communication hardware they were using. I still needed some help, and for that I was able to ask questions of the guys in my software group. I was glad I could actually fix the problems they had.
How the Experience Influenced Future Career Goals
This experience confirmed for me again that I do want to work as a software Engineer and that I have the skills to do so.