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!

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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.

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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 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 !

Samantha Kaplan-2015

Samantha Kaplan-2015

Mechanical Engineering, Class of 2015, Learn more on her profile here!