SoundOff Signal - Co-op II
Marcus
Experience Information
Employer: Grand Valley State University
Job Title: Mechanical Engineer Intern
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Received Credit: Yes
Paid: Yes
Abroad: No
Description of the Organization
Launched in 1992, SoundOff Signal began as a manufacturer of small motorcycle flashers but quickly branched out to include lighting products for emergency vehicles. By the early 2000s, SoundOff was providing high-tech safety solutions for first-responder teams worldwide. With an innovative, entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to reliable, relatable customer service, SoundOff Signal has continued to push the envelope for advancements in integrated, strategic lighting and controls for law enforcement, Fire, EMS and Amber. What makes SoundOff Signal truly unique is our team of world-class employees who exemplify excellence, quality, and trust in everything they do. Many of our employees are former first responders themselves and approach their roles with a deep sense of recognition for their importance and responsibility for optimal function. We are proud to have over 400 employees between our Corporate Headquarters and our Customer Center in Hudsonville, MI, and now manufacture products for customers across the globe. Our products are there, ýwhen you need it the most,ý and so is our team.
Description of the Tasks/Projects Completed
Over the semester I was tasked with 60% of my work being focused on a few larger projects, and 40% of my work being non-project work. The larger projects focused on product development, fixing recurring problems found in the field, updating products to match new and upcoming vehicle refreshes, and even working with other companies to develop new and innovative designs for future products. The smaller non-project work was focused on helping out other engineers and supporting them on their projects. I did a bunch of data collection, prototyping and building, running "errands'' to different outsourcing companies, and other supportive tasks. One of my larger projects was designing and building portable display boards for our Fire/EMS lighting. It was an incredible learning experience and I got to learn about our company's products, the design process, working with suppliers, working in a team, and seeing a project all the way through.
Skills/Knowledge Gained Through The Experience
I learned a lot about time management and developing organizational skills. I felt like I had a consistent inflow of work to be done, as well as working through projects simultaneously with each other. This made me have to stay well organized in order to remain successful and efficient on each project. I also learned a lot about design and how important design processes are. I had a project that did not go through a structured design process, and it led to lots of confusion both for myself and the other people involved in the project. This taught me to value the processes put in place in order to run a project smoothly and efficiently while also satisfying the needs of the customer. I learned a lot of other things during my semester at SoundOff and I am so excited to continue to learn and grow moving into this summer semester and when I return to SoundOff in the Fall!
Favorite Part of the Experience
My favorite part of the internship was how busy I was throughout the semester as well as being a part of a supportive team. I really enjoyed getting to work through personal projects that I was given full responsibility for while having a great and supportive team who really loved to help me learn and grow. I also really enjoyed getting to help the other engineers I worked with on their projects and getting to know all about the things they got to work on. SoundOff Signal is a great company full of kind, hardworking, and intelligent people and working next to them was really great. I can't wait to come back next fall!
How the Experience Influenced Future Career Goals
SoundOff has really made me think deeply about what kind of company I want to work for. SoundOff has such an amazing culture with incredible people who all seem to get behind our product and our mission. SoundOff's products have a large impact on the world through providing people in the law enforcement, Fire, EMS and Amber with proper products to help them do their job both more effectively and more efficiently. If I don't end up securing a job here at SoundOff Signal I will for sure be looking for a company that has the same culture and impact on the world.
Internship Format
In Person