Magna Mirrors Co-op Experience
Joshua
Experience Information
Employer: Magna Mirrors (Holland)
Job Title: Engineering Co-op
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Received Credit: Yes
Paid: Yes
Abroad: No
Description of the Organization
Magna Mirrors (Holland) is a large company that produces interior and exterior car mirrors in a factory setting. The engineering team at Magna Mirrors (Holland) is concerned mainly with quality control, starting new programs, and improvement of existing mirrors and processes.
Description of the Tasks/Projects Completed
I did a variety of tasks. Much of my time was spent in preparation for engineering builds for prototypes, studies, etc. This required me to gather mirror components and arrange for time to be spent on the line. I also performed studies/gathered measurements. This usually came in the form of dimensional measurements, reflectivity measurements, angle measurements, and Instron measurements (pull-out strength, for example). I also had several longer term assignments, such as designing a portable "suitcase" tester for a new video mirror, and a role in producing, testing, and statistical analysis of mirrors built with experimental aluminum tubes (replacing steel).
Skills/Knowledge Gained Through The Experience
I gained a lot of industry-specific knowledge and hands-on experience with multiple unique machines and tools. This rotation has made me more comfortable in a highly social setting and increased my confidence.
Favorite Part of the Experience
My favorite part of this co-op experience was the design aspect, which I was able to encounter several times throughout the semester. Designing parts from scratch gave me freedom and allowed me to think creatively, and watching them be eventually built was rewarding.
How the Experience Influenced Future Career Goals
This experience has reaffirmed my desire to be an engineer in the future.
Internship Format
In Person