During my program management internship at Northrop Grumman within the E-2 International Capture team, I worked on financial tracking, created capture presentations, and contributed to strategic initiatives. I was also provided with numerous educational resources to further enhance my skills. This experience allowed me to gain valuable insights into managing complex defense programs, while improving my ability to work cross-functionally and deliver high-impact results in a global defense context.
What I wish was different
While my internship at Northrop Grumman was incredibly valuable, I would have liked more opportunities for hands-on experience in the field, especially interacting directly with project teams on-site or engaging more deeply with clients. I believe that would have added another layer of understanding to the work I was doing and given me a more comprehensive view of the program management process in action.
Advice
Take full advantage of the educational resources and mentorship opportunities available to you. Even if your tasks seem straightforward, there’s so much to learn from observing how senior professionals handle complex projects. Asking questions, seeking feedback, and showing initiative can help you maximize your internship and build connections that will benefit you long after the experience ends.
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Project Engineering & Construction Intern
June - August 2023 • Redondo Beach, CA
What I liked
It was helpful to learn skills in project management and how to work with independent contractors on projects around the campus. There was also time for networking with other coworkers and in different departments. Northrop Grumman had a great integration into the company and setting up events specific for interns to network and just enjoy our time during our internships.
What I wish was different
I wish they had a little more instructions on how to start such as first day/weeks details. It seemed like we were just thrown in to figure out how to set up computers and how to get ourselves settled in our desks.
Advice
Overall great experience I would definitely do it again if given the offer to return. It was helpful to learn project management skills and communicate to my fellow interns and coworkers.
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Strategy and Business Development Intern
June - August 2023 • Redondo Beach, CA
What I liked
I had the most amazing team that taught me many new skills and supported me in my work. I made some really good lifelong friends within the company. Being in the space sector, I was able to go on many cool tours and see lots of awesome stuff.
What I wish was different
Advice
There are so many positions within Northrop Grumman! You can find about anything.
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Manufacturing Engineering Intern
June - August 2023 • Linthicum Heights, MD
What I liked
I liked being able to see all the different options available within the company as well as being able to build a personal network for a possible job route post graduation.
What I wish was different
I wish that I been able to work on multiple smaller projects rather than just one large one.
Advice
Try to make as many connections with people as you can. Don't just talk to people within your department. An internship is your opportunity to build your own network.
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Program Operations/Project Management Intern
May 2023 • Roy, UT
What I liked
Exposure to many different parts of how a large corporation operates. Opportunity to meet and learn from hundreds of different people. Able to explore different segments and business units that interest me to explore career paths. Assigned a variety of tasks that made me feel like my contributions were valuable and I was necessary to the company.
What I wish was different
I wish there was more guidance from management.
Advice
Prepare for every day to be a learning experience and opportunity.
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Avionics Design Intern
June - August 2023 • Chandler, AZ
What I liked
I liked learning from all the more experienced engineers.
What I wish was different
I wish I had been able to do more work relevant to my classes.
Advice
I would advise everyone who does an internship to ask tons of questions. You aren’t expected to know everything!
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Embedded Systems Software Developer
June - August 2023 • Rolling Meadows, IL
What I liked
Everyone on the team I worked with was so nice and helpful. They were always willing to take time out of their day to answer questions and explain concepts to me. I also felt that the work I was doing was meaningful and relevant to my team and the company.
What I wish was different
I think there could be more intern programming. There were only a handful of in-person events throughout the summer, and I felt that I did not have as much opportunity to connect with other interns as I would have liked.
Advice
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Software Engineer Intern
May - August 2023 • Redondo Beach, CA
What I liked
Fun activities, good leadership, work with other interns
What I wish was different
Work was not too meaningful
Advice
Work is not too bad. Spend time talking with the managers and going on tours.
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Digital Engineer
June - August 2023 • Linthicum Heights, MD
What I liked
I had a great experience here. Gained a lot of experience in short amount of time. Apply skill I known on the job. Great company culture and flexible schedules. I was able to work on project and testing, using simulation and hardware languages.
What I wish was different
The intern program could be more streamline and easier. Need to ask around for resources. Was difficult to connect with other intern or higher up. A lot of people are busy so hard to get help, I could have ask for more task or opportunity.
Advice
have a positive altitude and be prepare to learn. My first day I was overwhelmed with info and task. But after keep on trying and show passion to learn, I was able to adapt quickly. I was able to get a lot of help from senior on my team. Make sure to respect people time and be concise.
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College Technical Intern
January - May 2023 • Beavercreek, OH
What I liked
During my co-op, I had the opportunity to learn how to use an FPGA and code in System Verilog. I also got to learn more in depth on how to use an oscilloscope. I enjoyed getting to learn and work at a different pace, instead of a typical classroom environment. In addition, the company was super flexible with the hours that I would work each day. The team of engineers that I worked with were very friendly and always willing to help or answer questions.
What I wish was different
The onboarding process had a lot of components and it was not always clear what to do next. It would be nice to have a singular checklist of everything that needed to be done. I also had to do a lot of the hiring process, which included a lot of time consuming paperwork, during the end of the semester, when classes were finishing up. It was a slow start for a few weeks getting through orientation before I started on a project. I would have preferred to get started on a project sooner.
Advice
I would recommend getting to know and network with as many people as you can. Everyone at the company is super friendly and always willing to help you. I would also recommend that when you are learning something, you should take the time to learn it well. I found that I had enough time to complete tasks, document what I did, and to take the time to understand what I was doing.
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College technical intern
June 2022 • Redondo Beach, CA
What I liked
Great experience, met great people and learned a lot of great skills
What I wish was different
LA being less expensive
Advice
Don't be afraid to ask for help if you are confused, always feel like there's more for you to learn no matter how much you progress and there's always someone capable of teaching you more.
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Information assurance analyst
October 2022 • Falls Church, VA
What I liked
The job role was in line with my specific area of research through my masters program.
What I wish was different
I do wish the offer was full time but I am happy to start out as an intern with potential for full time.
Advice
Utilize your networks and speak to as many recruiters from the companies you are looking at!
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Software Engineering Intern
June - August 2022 • Linthicum Heights, MD
What I liked
Loved the team, the work that my team were doing, great experience with fantastic mentors
What I wish was different
Wish I could have gone in person but remote was pretty fun
Advice
You truly learn the most when you are working in industry compared to academia
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College Intern Technical
May 2022 • Rolling Meadows, IL
What I liked
Very good pay, and good work experience. I got to work on real stuff. Very flexible work hours, as long as I worked 80 hours and made meetings, it didn't matter when I got my work done!
What I wish was different
Housing was very painful
Advice
DO IT
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College Technical Intern
March 2022 • Beavercreek, OH
What I liked
I loved learning more about the industry.
Northop was super flexible with my schedule, they worked around my classes.
What I wish was different
Nothing really, it's been pretty great.
Advice
Put in the time and effort and you will be rewarded.
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Mechanical Engineering Intern
June - September 2022 • Goleta, CA
What I liked
Fun Environment
What I wish was different
Nothing!
Advice
You learn a lot on the job.
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Business Management Intern
June - August 2022 • Rolling Meadows, IL
What I liked
Monthly business management intern meetings allowed all business interns to remain connected across the United States
What I wish was different
I wish I was able to see more of what goes on in different departments
Advice
Ask questions every chance you get! Network with professionals that are in a department/position you are interested in. Almost everyone is willing to meet & help out
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Software Engineer
June - August 2022 • San Diego, CA
What I liked
Was given important tasks that felt like they had meaning to my team.
What I wish was different
My manager was often busy doing other tasks leaving me to work on my own a lot.
Advice
Reach out for help and opportunities sooner than later.
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Optical Engineering Intern
May 2022 • Redondo Beach, CA
What I liked
A collaborative culture, supportive people, cutting-edge technology, able to contribute meaningful deliverables.
What I wish was different
It was perfect.
Advice
Be active--if you don't have something to do--that's on you. There is plenty to do, so if you need more work, ask for it. Space Park has some of the most cutting-edge technology that you will ever work on so take advantage of all it has to offer in your short time there. Also, beach volleyball is on Wednesdays at 5 PM near Hermosa Beach...word to the wise...you should go.
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Software Engineering Intern
June - September 2022 • Linthicum Heights, MD
What I liked
Positive work environment, flexible hours and days of work, great team, great managers, got to explore all aspects of the company (meaning I got to see things outside of my field).
What I wish was different
Sometimes I would get an assignment that was supposed to last two weeks but was something that I could do in two days. Even though I offered to do more work, none was usually given to me. Because of this, I usually spent the rest of the sprint bored out of my mind with nothing to do, and unable to leave.
Advice
Network as much as possible. There are many opportunities at this company if you look for them.
