INTERNSHIP INSIGHT

Meet Josie
Position: Product Integration Intern at Getman Corporation
Education: Michigan Technological University
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Expected Graduation: December 2021

This Is No Desk Job
I’m working with the operations and product integration team here at Getman to figure out how we can make the floor run more efficiently. When we’re building a truck, we get parts like fenders and battery boxes. Before each piece gets put on the truck, it needs to be tacked and welded together. I’m designing fixtures for the welding tables that allow the welders to work without stopping to do hand measurements. Then I write the standard work instructions, so anybody would be able to build these fixtures the same way I did.

Always Networking
In eighth grade, I did Borgess Run Camp and met Derek Getman, who is part of the family that founded this organization. When you’re running long distance, you get to know a lot about someone. So, once I decided on studying engineering, he ended up being a great contact.

A Day in the Life
When I get to the office, I usually take a lap around the shop floor. I work one-on-one with the welders, so I’ll go down and see what they’re working on. If they are working on a fixture, I’ll stay down there to observe and take notes. Otherwise, when I’m at my desk, I’m writing standard work instructions or designing fixtures with CAD (computer-aided design) software.

Advice to Fellow Interns
I think it’s just important to remember that you have to keep an open mind. This was my first internship, so when I started, the first few weeks were hard and honestly scary. I thought I wasn’t going to like working here because it was totally new to me. But as I kept going, I tried keeping a positive attitude. Now I’m loving it here.

Thriving With the Right Support
I think Getman has done an outstanding job with this program. I’m part of a group of six interns that started together. We were able to do a CliftonStrengths workshop by Gallup to find out what our natural strengths are. From there, we spoke with a consultant who explained to us how we could use our talents here at Getman and in our personal lives. Also, my supervisor, Jason, has given me a lot of time to work independently. When he gives me a task, I have time to do my research, figure things out on my own—then I know which questions to ask if I need help.