Inside the Internship Experience

Embry-Riddle students are gaining hands-on industry experience this summer through internships and co-ops across aerospace, engineering, communications, marketing and broadcast meteorology. From the shop floor to the newsroom, these students are applying what they have learned in the classroom while building professional skills in real-world environments.

Grace Hamilton, an aerospace and occupational safety major with minors in human factors, aeronautical studies and aviation law, is interning with GE Aerospace as an environmental health and safety intern. In her role, Hamilton works on various EHS tasks and several revitalization projects for the company. She also serves on subcommittees focused on intern engagement. Her favorite part of the internship has been getting out on the shop floor to see day-to-day operations and assembly processes firsthand while learning from experienced and knowledgeable employees. For students beginning an internship, Hamilton’s advice is to talk to everyone, ask questions and look for ways to get involved in areas that interest them.

Carter Bitz, a mechanical engineering major, is completing an MRO mechanical engineer co-op with Collins Aerospace. Bitz assists the engineering maintenance, repair and overhaul team with maintaining landing gear for aircraft including the Airbus A380, C-17 and F-35. He said his favorite part of the experience has been the hands-on nature of the work, which allows him to work with documentation while also spending time on the shop floor with mechanics. Bitz encourages students starting an internship to learn as much as possible, ask questions and use the experience to bridge the gap between school and the professional world.

Andrew Comparetta, a communications major with a minor in marketing, is interning with Makers Air as a marketing intern focused on social media and content creation. In his role, Comparetta documents company activities, photographs flights, gathers marketing material in The Bahamas and designs social media graphics. He also joins flights to learn more about company operations, promote services and support recruiting. Comparetta said one of the highlights of the internship has been traveling with coworkers, building professional relationships and experiencing Bahamian lifestyle and culture firsthand. His advice to future interns is to get to know their coworkers, learn as much as possible and understand how their role contributes to the company’s goals.

Brianne Weathers, a communications major on the broadcast meteorology track, is interning with WESH 2 News as a weather intern. Weathers helps create weather graphics for on-air meteorologists, writes weather-themed web stories for WESH.com and practices producing her own forecasts in front of the green screen. Her favorite part of the internship has been getting to know and observe the station’s meteorologists, who each bring different styles and skills to their work. Weathers advises students beginning an internship to remember that the experience is meant for learning and growth, and not to doubt themselves when they make mistakes.

Together, these internships show the variety of opportunities available to Embry-Riddle students and the value of gaining experience outside the classroom. Whether working in aerospace safety, engineering, marketing or meteorology, each student is using their internship to grow professionally, explore their field and prepare for future career opportunities.

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