Product Design at ODL
Callie
Experience Information
Employer: ODL
Job Title: Product Engineer Co-op
Major: Product Design and Manufacturing Engineering
Received Credit: Yes
Paid: Yes
Abroad: No
Description of the Organization
ODL is a leading global manufacturer of Door and Window Glass Products. ODL believes in standing by their grounded beliefs, proactive behavior, and innovative culture to make products that make your life better. For ones with a passion for product design and manufacturing you can design in the office and take a few steps to the manufacturing plant and get an amazing opportunity to explore both disciplines. Most importantly this intimate company is made of caring, generous, and passionate employees that care about your growth and goals. Find more information about ODL at https://www.odl.com/
Description of the Tasks/Projects Completed
I have had the opportunity to dive deep into hands on projects. From sketching, CAD, and Prototyping to seeing the product manufactured and shipped to customers it has been a really special opportunity. I worked directly under a mentor and was challenged and guided to learn the basics skills and behaviors that will lead me to be a great engineer. I spent my first co-op rotation in current product development and my second rotation in new product development.
Skills/Knowledge Gained Through The Experience
ODL has given me amazing skills that I will carry with me throughout my entire engineering career. I learned how to confidently host meetings, speak passionately about testing results, challenge my strategy and critical thinking by actively participating in engineering, quality, and manufacturing meetings and projects. Specifically, a few of many things I gained during my experience is analyzing and detecting manufacturing defects, coming up with design of experiments and performing them, hosting brainstorming events, developing concepts through sketching and rapid prototyping.
Favorite Part of the Experience
I had the opportunity to explore product development in many different ways. I was given multiple resources to learn and develop my understanding of engineering concepts in a hands on and real life manner as I was treated and given the opportunity to work like a full time engineer.
How the Experience Influenced Future Career Goals
This co-op has given me the confidence to know that I want to continue my career in product design and manufacturing.