DornerWorks EE Internship Rotation 1
Josh
Experience Information
Employer: Grand Valley State University
Job Title: Custom Logic Engineering Intern
Major: Electrical Engineering
Received Credit: Yes
Paid: Yes
Abroad: No
Description of the Organization
DornerWorks is a company that focuses in embedded systems engineering. As of now, we do not produce our own product, but do outsource work for numerous companies in the area, such as GE Aviation, Stryker Medical, FORD Motor Company, and the U.S. NAVY, among many others. Embedded software, custom logic, and hardware projects are all taken on by the company. We have around 80 employees, including interns, contractors, and workers in an office in the Detroit suburbs.
Description of the Tasks/Projects Completed
I was placed as a Custom Logic Intern at day one. I had to quickly pick up the basics of Python and C++, as well as become loosely proficient in VHDL, 3 languages of which I'd never done any work in. Some of the main tasks I've completed were writing test cases for a Single Port RAM, and adapting a VHDL Pseudo-Random Number Generator to our libraries and adding functionality to it.
Skills/Knowledge Gained Through The Experience
I learned a lot about how a typical engineering workplace works, and how to use resources to improve in my own work. There is a process behind every work project at DornerWorks, as there is at every company, and learning how to work with employees and in the boundaries of the company process was very important. I also gained a skill in VHDL, as well as being able to read/debug code that I'm not necessarily familiar with writing.
Favorite Part of the Experience
My favorite part of this co-op experience was actually working in an environment that contributes to my major and life goal. I've only ever worked in a furniture warehouse, and now to be working and making money in the same vein as my major is excellent for me.
How the Experience Influenced Future Career Goals
This experience has confirmed my future career goals, in that I do realize I'd like to actually be an engineer.