First Co-Op Rotation at Nissan
Jordyn
Experience Information
Employer: Nissan
Job Title: Quality Intern
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Received Credit: Yes
Paid: Yes
Abroad: No
Description of the Organization
Nissan is a Japanese-owned global automotive company. I work at the Nissan Technical Center of North America (NTCNA) which the environment is unusual with the fact that it's mostly office space with a prototype test simulation facility (PTS).
Description of the Tasks/Projects Completed
I had three main objectives for the summer and had a few side projects. My first objective was to categorize warranty claims for primary failed parts (PFP) on specific models manufactured at different plants; my second objective was to analyze shape data and key feature diagrams to determine if there were any discrepancies in the PFPs between each plant and determine any solutions to reduce warranty claims on these PFPs. My third objective was not related to the first two, it was to benchmark universal garage door openers (UGDO), specifically Homelink, among different OEMs to improve and amend our own Homelink quick reference guide (QRG) and owner's manual (OM) to improve our JD Power customer survey scores. Some side tasks include attending 20 hours of Nissan training, giving an intern introduction presentation, plant visits, and intern activities.
Skills/Knowledge Gained Through The Experience
Most of my tasks didn't require much technical know-how but I was exposed to a lot of professional skills/knowledge. I know how to behave in meetings, converse with other employees of all ranks, introduce myself professionally to Japanese employees, manufacturing plant floor etiquette, what to do when visiting suppliers, bench-marking at dealerships, and networking successfully.
Favorite Part of the Experience
My favorite part of this experience were the interns. I work in quality which was a lot of excel, so the work could be dull at some points but the other interns always made the day fun and educational. I would visit and observe what they did every day and even helped out some on their projects. We also did a lot of sponsored and non-sponsored intern events such as weekly volleyball, go-karting, bowling, and the Intern Summit in Nashville.
How the Experience Influenced Future Career Goals
This experience exposed me to the automotive industry. Although my mom works within the industry, it never really enthralled me up until this co-op rotation. I became more aware while driving what different components do and how it compares to other companies. I also realized how many opportunities there are within the industry, I mean the possibilities of endless. I think I would like to stay within this industry and see where it can take me.