Performance Software Internship
Schuyler
Experience Information
Employer: Performance Software
Job Title: Software Engineer Intern
Major: Computer Engineering
Received Credit: No
Paid: Yes
Abroad: No
Description of the Organization
Performance Software is an embedded software engineering firm that specializes in avionic systems. The Grand Rapids branch is a very small group of extremely qualified engineers. Working at a branch office allows the employees to get big company work while retaining the feel and work environment of a small company.
Description of the Tasks/Projects Completed
My tasks varied significantly throughout my time spent at Performance Software. Often, I was running tests, writing perl scripts, writing test procedures, and interfacing with software and systems engineers at other companies on site. I was also fortunate enough to be involved with a new feature for the plane that I was working on that was developed in Grand Rapids.
Skills/Knowledge Gained Through The Experience
I learned a lot about airplanes in general, but beyond that, I also picked up a few new programming languages like perl and Ada, and I learned a lot about large scale embedded systems. I think I gained a lot about learning how large corporations function, and interfacing with different types of engineers to complete tasks.
Favorite Part of the Experience
I enjoyed a lot of different aspects of my co-op experience. I really enjoyed learning about the inner workings of airplanes, and in addition to that, I got to spend a lot of time in the labs working hands-on with the electronic systems, which was pretty cool. Another great part of my experience was the people who work at Performance Software. All of the engineers there are very qualified and fun people to work with.
How the Experience Influenced Future Career Goals
It certainly makes me look at avionics as an interesting field that I can see myself spending a lot of time in.