As I was scrolling through the options of Information Systems major course choices, I stumbled across the course Digital Making Seminar and was compelled after seeing the word “prototype” in the class description. With no prior experience in prototyping, let alone even understanding the process of it, I decided to take the course. Along with this, 3D printing was something I had been wanting to explore. Admittingly, this was the first class I decided to pursue out of actual interest instead of what seemed to be the easiest option. I remember feeling very excited but challenged after the first day of class because I was under the impression that I would have difficulty maintaining a good grade due to the unfamiliarity I had with the content. Should I stay in the class because of my interest, or drop it because of its perceived difficulty?
Coming in with little experience in almost everything we have covered throughout the semester, I found even the smallest of things interesting and meaningful. First of all, my original group consisted of two bubbly Supply Chain Management and Information System majors with no 3D printing experience and a Computer Science major who happened to have a 3D printer in his dorm room. As he talked about his experience in 3D printing, I was enthralled by his knowledge and continued to ask him more and more questions. Gaining another experienced member along the way, I started to become intimated to work alongside two people who knew much more than I did. However, even after dividing up the project based on expertise and different skills, the more experienced members still made sure that everyone was aware of what steps were being taken throughout the project. This helped me understand the complexities that go into wiring, the detail needed when creating sketches in Fusion 360, and the imperfections that need to occur in order to create the best acquiped prototype. Most importantly, I was able to learn how to be a valuable team member despite my lack of experience.
Now, let’s fast forward to the professor’s final words on our last day of class. He applauded us for never contacting him about what our grade was, even though it had never been posted. I realized that this was the only college course I had, and have, taken where my drive did not stem from my desire to attain a good grade. That was a very gratifying feeling.
Taking this course has not only helped me understand the complexities that go into prototyping, but has encouraged me to step outside of my comfort zone even if I have no prior knowledge or experience. This course was able to show me that I am capable of exploring opportunities that I may be uncomfortable with, and this transferred over to my application process for summer internships. Although I have never left my hometown of Champaign, IL, I knew I wanted to have an internship outside of Illinois to give me experience with uncertainty, discomfort, and the overall skills needed when adjusting to a completely new atmosphere. However, as application deadlines began to approach and more positions began to fill up, I had limited options and I started to realize that I may have to pursue something local.
As I began to look for more local options, my Outlook Inbox continued to flood with emails consisting of “Although we appreciate your application, we regret to inform you that…” and you can fill in the blanks. However, despite the time crunch I was in, I was passionate to get an internship in the East Coast, a place I had been only a few times but truly felt at home in. So, I went out of my comfort zone and called a family friend who lives in New Hampshire. I have struggled to network, so this was a big step for me. Although he told me that internships are extremely hard to get at this point in time, he encouraged me to continue to be hopeful and responsive.
The next day, I received yet another rejection email from a company. As I gloomily glossed over the email, I made an impulsive decision- I was going to email them back. Not only were they located in the East Coast, but their internship position matched exactly what I was looking for. Although they had filled positions for this summer, maybe I could get my name out there for positions in the following year. In the email, I expressed my gratitude for the opportunity and asked for any follow-up advice they may have. I attached my LinkedIn below.
Not even 5 minutes later, I received an invite on LinkedIn from the Head of Talent Acquisitions at the company. Quite a few exchanged LinkedIn messages, an interview, and a phone call later, I was offered an internship at the company.
Now that I have officially accepted the offer at Watts Water Technologies in North Andover, Massachusetts, I look forward to continuing my professional development as an incoming Supply Chain Intern. Based on the description of the internship, I felt confident that I was qualified even with little to no real-life experience in Supply Chain. However, after receiving a calendar notification for the first day of training, I started to lose confidence in myself as I stumbled across each of the other intern’s LinkedIn profiles. Systems Engineering Major, worked in the supply chain sector of these eight companies, and so on rang through my head the rest of the day and I began to feel anxious, despite my previous excitement.
Sound familiar? Being intimidated to be in a group with highly experienced individuals? After realizing that I felt the exact same way in the beginning of this course, I began to realize that this course has had an impact on me in more ways than I would have anticipated, and I was even able to make new friends along the way. I know that the skills and experiences I gained from BADM 357 will follow me in my internship this summer, and I am hopeful that the outcomes of my internship will be similar to the outcomes of this course.
