Advanced Acoustic Concepts (AAC)
Summer 2017- After 1 Year into College
About AAC
AAC is a defense subcontractor acquired by DRS/ Thales. At my branch we were making the electrical equipment that controls sonar systems for Lockheed Martin. I was hired as a summer intern to help manufacture wire harnesses. Harnesses are tested in for functionality and inspected thoroughly every time.
What I Did
I was placed with 4 or 5 other interns for my team. We had to simply make wire harnesses. The wiring, shown to the right, had to be cut, stripped, pinned, crimped, and assembled. Although the work was meticulous, we still had to be attentive since these harnesses were checked by a strict quality process.
Teamwork
We optimized our production by finding out what each person was best at. Rotating was also crucial for each team member's performance since each task could be monotonous. Comradery was built through countless hours of pinning, stripping, crimping, and cutting. We had to balance conversation with focus and detailed work with efficient work.
Summary
Unfortunately, I did not keep records about our performance. If I could go back in time, I would keep a spreadsheet of every outcome. I did learn that the system and process of manufacturing matters. We could have too many people or even just the wrong people in certain areas, leading to bottle necking. Looking back, I found out how to get along and create a positive culture in your work environment.
Ultimately though, I was limited in my growth at AAC since we were just a small piece of the network. Next year, I promised that I would find another industry to work in.
Learned
Teamwork and Chemistry
Manufacturing to High Standards
Introduction to Process Analysis and Streamlining
Repetition and Focus
Changing Actions Based on Feedback
Leadership and Communication
Attention to Detail
Almost to College
Groundskeeper,
Westmoreland Community College
Summer 2016- Before College
I decided to further my hands on career in labor intensive work. I joined a local community college's grounds crew. I weedwacked, mulched, painted, planted flowers, and all of the standard procedures. All of these skills would help me later in life no doubt. I learned how to mesh with the guys and also making your boss happy. I discovered people like to slack off without supervision and how to prioritize jobs since many don't have to be perfect.
Laborer,
Arc Weld Inc. (AWI)
Summer 2015- After 11th Grade
I left the pool because the type of work felt like selling my time to get paid. I decided to work for my dad at his local small business machine shop. I learned a few hands on skills like how to handle heavy machinery like mills, lathes, grinders, etc. I did odd jobs like fixing a roof and organizing materials. I also saw how a business handles customer relations and how product moves through a shop. It would have been foolish to not work with my father at least one summer.
Learned
Introduced to Machining (Manual and CNC)
How to Keep Customers Happy
Industry Safety
How a Boss Interacts With Employees
Problem Solving
Painting and Weedwacking is Just as Boring as Lifeguarding
Time Management in Jobs
Hard Work is Always Respected
Attention to Detail
My High School Work Experience
Summer 2012- After 8th Grade
Concession Stand Worker,
West Newton Pool
My first official occupation was working at my local pool's concession stand. It was within walking distance and gave me the first exposure to anything. I learned the basics of customer service and how to reheat anything. I saw how rude people could be and was given motivation to never work in customer service.
Summer 2013, 2014
Lifeguard,
West Newton Pool
The next summer I was old enough to be a lifeguard. I learned more important responsibilities like measuring pool chemicals, providing a safe environment, and having authority over people. I also had a boss and the public to keep happy. Overall, I learned many skills, but it was much too boring to watch people all day.
Year Round 2012-2015
Youth Soccer Referee
Along with working at the pool, I was a certified soccer referee for several years. I worked weekend games for travel and local teams. While in high school, I rotated from sideline official to the centerman throughout the years. The work taught me some real world relationships and being a figure of leadership and authority.
Learned
Basic Cooking and Housekeeping
Handling Money and People
Having Responsibility for Lives
Safety, Even If No One Likes It
Dealing with kids and angry parents
Respecting a Boss
Initiative
Having Authority- How to get people to do what you told them (Beginning of leadership)
Educate So I can Work Somewhere Else
How to Handle Crazy People
Patience and Sensitivity
Accountability