Hajim Spotlights
Jillian Penfield
Class year: 2020
Major: computer science
Where did you intern?
Raytheon
What work did you do as an intern?
I was a software engineer on their air traffic control software.
How did you get this opportunity? What was the application process like?
I went to the Grace Hopper Conference and made the connection and submitted my application with Raytheon there, then upon returning had a phone interview, then got the job!
Did you work with anyone to help find and/or pursue the internship?
My undergraduate coordinator in Computer Science and Ellen Cole (Greene Center) helped me a lot in keeping my confidence up at Grace Hopper and preparing for the interview on my return.
What did you gain from this experience?
I learned a lot about what it is actually like to work in the software field. I worked collaboratively through agile development on a team of varying background knowledge. This taught me to ask for help when needed, deliver my best work well tested and documented, and how to break a huge software into little bits and pieces.
Any particularly memorable experiences?
I participated in Raytheon's first Intern Innovation Challenge and ended up winning! Because of this accomplishment I was lucky enough to fly to my division's (Intelligence and Information Services) headquarters for a skip level meeting with the president. I met so many inspirational people along the way and was able to see the impact I made at Raytheon just as an intern.
Any advice for other students who are interested in pursuing an internship?
Two things. First off, the interviewers are not just trying to figure out if you are a good fit for their company/the position, but you have to figure out if the company is a good fit for you. It is a two-way street! Second, networking doesn't stop when you get the job. During your internship, meet as many employees as you can and learn about their experiences. You may be lucky enough to get a full time offer, and once you get there you don't want to be stuck—you want to make your way up and make the biggest impact you can.
Questions? Ask Jillian!