For Cole Dockus, a student in Kent State's College of Aeronautics and Engineering, finding the right internship meant more than just gaining experience鈥攊t meant positioning himself at the forefront of the aerospace industry. This past summer, Cole worked as a Test and Engineering Intern at , a tier 1 aerospace company that manufactures the final aircraft electrical components before they become part of fully functional flying machines.
At Safran, Cole performed quality stress tests on product models, ensuring they can withstand the extreme conditions of flight. "I've learned about the actual parts themselves and what they do on an aircraft," Cole explains. Through hands-on testing procedures and processes, he applied the academic foundation built at Kent State to solve real engineering challenges鈥攅xactly the kind of distinctive, career-ready experience that prepares CAE students to lead in today's global workforce.
What drew Cole to this opportunity was its alignment with his career goals and the company's position in the industry. "There are many companies that make aircraft parts, but few organizations make components closer to the final production of aircrafts," Cole notes. Working with a tier 1 company has given him invaluable insight into how his education translates directly to industry needs.
Beyond his daily responsibilities, Safran provided opportunities that expanded his professional network and understanding of the aerospace ecosystem. During an internship field trip, Cole visited a partner company, gaining firsthand knowledge of how different organizations collaborate to create fully functional aircraft products.
One of Cole's favorite memories was participating in Safran's "Summer Olympics," a week of team-building activities during lunch hours where employees from different departments competed in challenges ranging from football throws to Jeopardy. "It was a fun way to meet workers from different departments you don't see daily," he says. These experiences taught Cole that success in aerospace engineering isn't just about technical skills鈥攊t's about building relationships and understanding the collaborative nature of the industry.
Cole's advice to fellow students seeking internships? "Be forward and proactive. You can apply to hundreds of applications, but when you finally talk to someone鈥攚hether that be at an interview or career fair鈥攂e the first one to contact them and the last one to thank them. Make sure you are their first and last thought鈥攖alk to everyone."
This mindset has already paid off. Cole has seen how his tangible internship experience has opened doors to future employment opportunities and made his credentials more marketable. "It's going to be the first thing on my resume鈥攐ne because it's the most recent but also because it's the most applicable," he says.
Like Cole, you too can transform your education into real-world success. The aerospace industry is waiting for students who are ready to Dare Mighty Things.
Looking for an internship experience that can shape your future? Steven Nowinski, CAE's Employer Engagement and Internship Manager, is ready to help you discover and apply for opportunities that match your career aspirations. Learn more about Career Services and Professional Development at www.kent.edu/cae/careerservices.