JR Summer Co-op
Tom
Experience Information
Employer: JR Automation Technologies
Job Title: Mechanical Engineering Intern
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Received Credit: Yes
Paid: Yes
Abroad: No
Description of the Organization
JR Automation is a quickly growing company. We have eight business units and over one thousand employees. These units are mainly in Holland, with units also in Stevensville, Michigan and South Carolina. While our main workload consists of automotive work, we also develop machines for the medical and aerospace industries to name a few.
Description of the Tasks/Projects Completed
I started out with detailing and checking print packages. I would take an assembly, create the detail sheets, and add the dimensions and annotations to the sheets, which will end up on the floor for the builders to use. While checking, we make sure that the dimensions are clear, useful, and have the appropriate tolerances. I moved my way into doing design work. From making changes to parts, to making my own small assemblies, I never did the same things twice. I was even able to work on the floor with the builders during my first semester. This allowed me to see how our models becomes real machines.
Skills/Knowledge Gained Through The Experience
I gained time-budgeting, CREO skills, and problem solving abilities. I learned how long it takes to complete various tasks, allowing for an accurate timeline to be compiled. In place of Solidworks, we use CREO for our designing. I learned a lot of the various tricks and workings of CREO, and I look forward to learning more. There are many ways to complete one task, and knowing which was is best suited for the job your on can be tough. JR requires out of the box thinking in order to solve problems.
Favorite Part of the Experience
My favorite part of the internship was the sense of community and the work. They are very welcoming to all new hires, and they take care of each other like a family. They also host a variety of events for the employees to partake in. As an intern, I was able to work on real jobs during the semester. I was not seen as a coffee fetcher or an errand boy. They value every employee they have, and work to develop all your skills right away.
How the Experience Influenced Future Career Goals
I strive to become proficient in my designing abilities. I want to be able to lead my own project one day, and run a smooth project from start-up to send off. I believe that JR is a great place to hone my skills.