I cannot believe it’s already been 5 weeks since I left SC! I am missing it terribly, of course, but so far summer is fantastic. I’m spending my days interning at the Happiest Place on Earth, Disney World!
My name tag!
Last year, I interned in the Environmental Engineering Department, which I loved. I worked mostly on data collection and data analysis to discover ways to make the parks and resorts more energy efficient. This summer, I am working in the Mechanical Engineering Department for Architecture and Facilities Engineering. So far, this has meant a lot of design work related to updates for existing facilities across property.
Expedition Everest at Disney’s Animal Kingdom!
One thing I love about my internship is the positive work environment. I work closely with a small team of Mechanical and Electrical Engineers, and five other interns. Through working together on projects and spending time in the office together, I have not only gotten to know these people in a professional environment, but I have also gotten to know them on a more personal level. I frequently visit the theme parks with the other interns (yesterday, we went to Animal Kingdom after work), and we often go to lunch or to dinner together. I even had a sleepover with the other interns last week, and we watched old Disney movies together!
Beyond the personal connections, I am learning a lot. I am using AutoCAD, and I am working on designs. Not only is this teaching me about developing designs in a professional environment, but it is also reinforcing the lessons from my classes at school. It’s really exciting to be able to take what I have learned so far, and apply it to real world problems.
I won a Cupcake War between all of the Design Engineers! This is my giant cupcake prize!
I am looking forward to the rest of my summer! Soon, I will be taking the lead on my own project, which I am certain will be a very positive learning experience. Also, this weekend, a friend from SC is coming to visit me! It’ll be great to see someone from school since I miss it so much!
For more updates about my internship, be sure to check out my twitter @KaplanSamantha !
