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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Software Developer
May 2022 • Gilbert, AZ
What I liked
Everyone was very helpful when I was stuck, it felt like everyone on my team wanted me to succeed and I was given meaningful tasks that made a real difference.
What I wish was different
It took somewhat long for a couple interns to get everything setup that could have been done beforehand.
Advice
Talk to people - there's a lot of great people with lots of experience that will be happy to share tips and give you advice!
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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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Software Engineer Intern
June - August 2022 • Woodland Hills, CA
What I liked
I learned a lot about how software development works in the workplace - AGILE methodology and collaborative work - which I didn't have much experience with before, as this was my first internship. The problems that Northrop solves are interesting, and the people working there, including the other interns, are smart and friendly.
What I wish was different
The technology stack can be a little different than what you expect from your schoolwork for certain projects, but if you actively search for interesting work, you can find it.
Advice
Ask questions and take initiative if you want to stand out.
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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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Business Management Administrative Intern
May - August 2022 • Sterling, VA
What I liked
I enjoyed learning Microsoft Project and other new technologies.
What I wish was different
I wish I could have learned more things or been busier.
Advice
To make sure to meet lots of new people and have an open mind going in.
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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.
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Systems Engineering Intern
June - August 2020 • Baltimore, MD
What I liked
The technical skills I acquired,
What I wish was different
It would have been great if it was in person.
Advice
Always try to take on challenges and don't be afraid to ask for help.
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Systems engineering intern
June - September 2018 • Redondo Beach, CA
What I liked
Northrop internships are a great opportunity to learn a bout the aerospace industry and gain valuable skills.
What I wish was different
Advice
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College Technical Intern
May - August 2018 • Huntsville, AL
What I liked
We worked on real tasks that were critical to the company and weren't given random "intern" tasks. There were a lot of interns at my location and the company did a really good job to introduce the interns to the company through multiple intern events, talks, and networking functions
What I wish was different
It was so far from home
Advice
Even though I was far from home, I had a really great experience at work and I am super grateful for all that I learned. Seek opportunities if they sound interesting to you!!!
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Electromechancal Engineering Intern
June - September 2018 • San Diego, CA
What I liked
Company culture, location, friendly people, real work. I learned a lot.
What I wish was different
I wish I had had more work and less time waiting for work. The subject matter of electronics boxes was not for me.
Advice
Keep asking questions and self-advocate
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Systems Engineer
May - August 2018 • Palmdale, CA
What I liked
Excellent work experience,
footprint into the Aerospace Industry
What I wish was different
Overall a very good experience
Advice
Make the most of the resources that you have once you're at a large company like Northrop Grumman.
