Isabelle Paulsen
Major(s): 4th Year - Computer Science BS | U2G
Interned at Collins Aerospace
What did a typical day look like as a Software Engineer Intern at Collins Aerospace?
A typical day at my internship consisted of a daily scrum meeting at 10am with my team, where I got to hear what everyone else was working on, tell them what I am working on, and ask questions if necessary. I usually had one or two other meetings throughout the day with teammates, code reviewers, mentors, etc. My team consisted of people from all over the world, so I didn't keep to the usual work hours — sometimes our meetings were early mornings, sometimes late at night! I would spend the rest of my day coding. I went into the office twice a week but got to work from home the other three days.
As for what I worked on — I was on a team that is developing a web app to manage air traffic control for unmanned aircrafts. I analyzed a bunch of data that they collect, as well as worked on a "flight summary" page that includes data download capabilities.
The coolest thing I got to do was to go to a NASA research facility in California. Collins Aerospace and NASA are working together to improve simulated flight-testing capabilities, and we visited their team on a fact-finding mission. I learned a lot about what Collins does, what NASA does, and I even got to fly a simulated aircraft!
How did you seek and obtain this internship?
I obtained this internship at the engineering career fair last year. I talked to a recruiter, they offered me an interview the next day, and they offered me a position about a week later.
What skills did you develop or enhance during your time as an intern?
In my time as an intern, I improved both my soft and hard skills. I improved at networking, communication, professionalism, and time management. I also worked in the Angular framework — something I've never used before — and navigated my way through a massive software development project.
How do you expect this experience to help with your remaining semesters at Iowa?
As for my remaining semesters at Iowa, I feel much more confident in my coding abilities. I hope to take on more bigger projects. I also feel more excited about what my life will look like after college. I feel like I know why I am getting this degree, and I can see how I will apply it.
What helpful tips do you have for current students seeking internships?
Don't be afraid to introduce yourself! You never know where a connection will lead. It definitely feels a little embarrassing or awkward to try to network, but there's only one way to learn, and it will lead to something!
What was your favorite aspect of your internship?
My favorite aspect of my internship was my team. I really enjoyed all of the people I met. I got to make great connections, even though they live on another continent. I met so many inspiring, hardworking, encouraging people.
Can you see yourself in a future career with Collins/RTX or… NASA?
I really enjoyed the work that I did this summer, as well as my team, but I don't think aerospace is where my passion lies. I'll never say never to a future at Collins/NASA, but for now my options are open!
In addition to seeking a bachelor's and partaking in the Honors program, you are now an “Undergrad-to-Grad” (U2G) student: could you please speak to why you chose to add an extra year to your Iowa education?
As for U2G, it seemed too good to pass up. A master's degree in one less year is awesome, and I wanted to take the opportunity while I could.