Name: Tina Marie Suizzo
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Where did you intern? Boston Scientific Corporation (BSC), a manufacturer of medical devices.
What did you do there? I was a supplier engineering intern.
How did you get your internship? BEYA Conference in Washington, D.C. I got an on-site interview and offer.
What projects did you work on? I have a non-disclosure agreement but I was able to work on a product board for an upcoming product, which means I took the product apart and displayed it for people to see and understand how the product is made. I also did the forms and spoke with suppliers to ensure product quality and safety through procedures.
What was the coolest thing that happened during your internship? I was lucky enough to have a manager and team that supported and encouraged me. They flew me out to Indiana with the senior supplier engineer and I got to see the Spencer facility and meet more of the team and other interns.
What did you like most about your experience? The culture of the company and the fun events that BSC participates in.
What did you learn about yourself? I don’t know what to do with my free time. The work life balance was great but I had to find hobbies or pick up old ones I had dropped for school.
How did you expand your professional network? I got to meet so many people both at the Marlborough, Massachusetts, site and the Spencer, Indiana, site. The work I was involved in cannot be done without communication between departments so I got to meet many people all over the company.
How does your internship connect back to your coursework? The Honors College has taught me about the importance of being a lifelong learner and being an open minded individual and that is something that transfers into my work. It’s important to understand that there’s always more to learn.
How did it help you prove yourself in the “real world”? I can hold an 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. job and still have plenty of time to cook, clean, hang with friends and co-workers, as well as enjoy my time. I also enjoyed my work. I’d say I proved that the “real-world” is totally manageable and, maybe even easier to manager and section off than school.
What advice do you have for those beginning the internship process? Ask questions. Do not be afraid. Ensure that you have work and be open with your manager. Not everyone may be encouraging but you’ll never know unless you try. Always stand up for yourself; you are responsible for your work and your experience. It’s up to you to be on top of that.