This summer, Eliseo Barreno, 2021 Rudd Scholar had the opportunity to intern with Northrop Grumman in California. We asked Eliseo to share his experience and what he learned through this amazing opportunity. Read below to hear more about his experience.
Please share with us what your internship was, who you worked for, and what you got to do in this position.
During my 10-week internship with Northrop Grumman as an Electrical Engineering Intern under the Flight and Ground Test team at Vandenberg Space Force Base, California, I led the design of a facility layout and support equipment using Siemens NX, which led to optimizing the installation process by identifying power requirements. I also organized facility walkthroughs to verify legacy drawings and measure equipment placements for operations planning.
In addition, I collaborated with test engineers on launch vehicle process flow development and gained valuable project management experience by creating a roadmap to keep the project on schedule. My internship also included visits to various test and manufacturing facilities, observing a test launch, and touring the Western Range Operations Control Center and the Northrop Grumman Roy Innovation Center in Utah.
Why did you decide to pursue a degree in Engineering?
During high school, I volunteered with a local church’s Car Ministry, a program dedicated to helping families in need with car maintenance. This hands-on experience sparked my curiosity about engineering, so I enrolled at Washburn Institute of Technology during my senior year to learn more about automotives. This experience strengthened my passion for engineering and led me to pursue a degree in Mechanical Engineering.
What was the most difficult aspect of your internship? What was something you learned or accomplished that you’re proud of.
The hardest part of my internship was learning new software’s since it took a lot of practice to develop expertise and confidence. I was proud of the progress with Siemens NX being able to finish the facility layout and support equipment. I was also proud of the technical knowledge I learned from the launch vehicle system since I was able to have technical discussions with other engineers and provided my thoughts during meetings.
Please talk about how this internship supported your professional development. Did you get to network, connect, shadow, etc., other professionals, mentors.
During my internship, I was fortunate to have two mentors who greatly enriched my experience. I met my first mentor, Alexandria, at the 2023 SHPE National Convention, and we continued our mentorship virtually throughout my internship. She provided me with valuable insights into the company’s programs, educational opportunities, employee resource groups, and offered career advice. Alexandria also connected me with entry-level engineers, allowing me to seek advice on transitioning to a full-time role.
My second mentor, Nick, was based at the Vandenberg Space Force Base office. Nick guided me around the facility, taught me various software tools, and offered additional technical/career advice. With only a few interns on-site, I had the unique opportunity to work directly with engineers, gaining hands-on experience. Additionally, during my visit to the Northrop Grumman Roy Innovation Center in Utah, I networked with a diverse group of interns and built valuable connections.
Being a first-generation student, what has been something during your college experience that you’re proud of for accomplishing?
I’m proud to have been elected as the SHPE Regional Student Representative for Region 3 for a second term. Out of only 7 regional student representatives nationwide, I have the honor of representing all the undergraduate SHPE chapters across 10 states in the Midwest.
How has the scholarship supported you outside of the classroom?
The monthly check-up meetings have been very helpful for goal setting and just having opportunity to discuss how I am doing throughout the semester. I participated in resume review sessions to enhance my resume. The scholarship gave me guidance and opened the opportunity so I can study/intern in Madrid, Spain during the summer 2023.
What is a piece of advice you would give a high school student looking to apply for the Rudd Scholarship? Or what is something you wish you would have known your senior year to prepare you for college?
I wished I had looked at the mechanical engineering catalog for Wichita State University and chosen specific college credit courses during high school that would apply to my major. One piece of advice would to never be afraid to ask for help.
What are your plans after graduation?
I am currently working on job searching and interviewing to pursue a career in the aerospace industry. I hope to have a full-time job offer before graduation.
Throughout Eliseo’s college experience, he has pushed himself to pursue opportunities that would benefit him and his professional development. He has done a great job in increasing his technical skills and made great connections along the way. Last summer he studied abroad in Spain, where he also interned for an engineering company.
As a first generation student, we are happy to see him go beyond what he thought was imaginable and look forward to seeing him succeed in his career. We are #ruddproud to have him as a Rudd Scholar and to know that this scholarship has supported him inside and outside the classroom.
