Putting Two and Two Together
Hayden
Experience Information
Employer: GHSP
Job Title: Engineering Intern
Major: Product Design and Manufacturing Engineering
Received Credit: Yes
Paid: Yes
Abroad: No
Description of the Organization
Grand Haven Stamped Products, or GHSP, has been around since the early 1900's. They are the largest of a seven company organization. In a simple sense, we manufacture highly engineered solutions. We manufacture products in three areas; shifters, smart actuators, and electronics. Our shifter division manufactures the shifters for both the major car companies, and other small businesses. The second division creates small pumps that keep hybrid transmissions pumped while switching between engines. The final division makes small electronics for multiple different companies.
Description of the Tasks/Projects Completed
The project I was given for the semester was awesome. The bezel on the 2013 Ford Escape's shifter slightly vibrates while driving. Right now, felt tape is being applied to these bezels before they are introduced into production. This tape is applied at a separate satellite station located a short distance away from the work cell. My project was to work this separate station into the cell, without slowing down their timing our their output numbers.
Skills/Knowledge Gained Through The Experience
Through my internship I've had the opportunity to learn a lot of different things. One of the biggest things I've worked on is my people skills. Working in manufacturing, I've had to talk with several different people for different aspects of my project. I've really enjoyed being able to meet with so many different people in different areas throughout the company. I've also learned a lot about manufacturing engineering. I've worked a lot out on the floor with the operators and in the cell producing these shifters. It has given me a better idea of how products are produced, helping me to become a better design engineer.
Favorite Part of the Experience
My favorite part of my co-op experience is the opportunity I've had to work with the people I have. The co-workers in my office have been really awesome. If there is anything I need there is always somebody there who is willing to help out. Everybody there is really friendly and welcoming. I've also met a lot of the operators out on the plant floor. I've been able to get to know them during my internship as well. Making all of these relationships has helped me at some point while working on my project.
How the Experience Influenced Future Career Goals
This experience has given me greater insight into different aspects of my major. I now understand why it is important to include both the manufacturing and design engineering for this major. This has pushed me to learn more about manufacturing engineering. This will hopefully help me to become a better design engineer. I can't wait to see where this internship takes me.