Texas Instruments Internship is Rewarding Experience
Last Updated on October 01, 2018 at 12:00 AM
Originally published October 01, 2018
By Mauricio Andres Violante
Senior, Electrical Engineering
This summer I had the privilege of interning at one of the top global semiconductor design and manufacturing companies in the world — Texas Instruments (TI).
During my 11-week internship, I got to work at the company’s headquarters in Dallas, Texas. This was my first internship experience and entering the product marketing role at TI, I had little knowledge of what my experience would entail. Despite this idea of not knowing what I don’t know, I walked into those 11 weeks with a clear head and open mind, ready to learn as much as possible.
Aside from riding the learning curve, another goal I took upon myself was to make connections and develop my networking skills. The most satisfying thing about the internship is that my supervisors took me seriously and gave me relevant projects. Going to the company’s website and seeing something you took part in creating is probably one of the best feelings of accomplishment.
At this internship, people were extremely helpful and approachable. This generated the idea that people want you to succeed and will do everything in their power to assist you in reaching your goals. I was assigned to an incredible team. I never thought that I would receive that much support in the industry.
Overall, my main projects helped me develop data analytics skills, as well as presentation and other soft skills. This internship provided me with the knowledge that you often will not find in the classroom. The professional enrichment prepared me for a career as an engineer and opened doors to places I never thought I would see a year ago. The time away from El Paso enabled me to grow as an individual and take a sneak peek at what the real world would look like. The knowledge of what is coming and how to prepare for it only will benefit me as I seek to take advantage of more opportunities to reach my goals.
I also got to experience two other academic opportunities this year.
Researchers pre-selected me from a pool of students to attend a Computer Vision Deep Learning course with the Instituto Technologico Metropolitano (ITM) in Medellin, Colombia. In May, I participated in this study abroad experience for two weeks, which provided me with an international approach to learning. The different teaching style served as a new way of learning, not to mention the cultural insight developed in Colombia.
The other opportunity that helped further my career was a co-op experience with the Exxon Mobil Corporation. I am taking part in this experience as an instruments engineer intern. I began in August and will complete this internship by mid-December. This opportunity has allowed me to obtain experience in the oil and gas industry. It has been a change from my previous two internships.
I am excited and grateful for the opportunity to broaden my horizons and learn as much as possible before I graduate. If there is any advice I could give to my classmates, it’s to be involved, reach for opportunities, and always strive to do the very best in anything you touch.
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