DornerWorks Software Intern
David
Experience Information
Employer: DornerWorks
Job Title: Embedded Systems Software Intern
Major: Computer Engineering
Received Credit: Yes
Paid: Yes
Abroad: No
Description of the Organization
DornerWorks partners with many local companies to provide embedded engineering project support. DW engineers work as teams typically for several months, allowing for varied exposure over time to different fields, such as medical, automotive, and aerospace. The company is also entering a new phase of development, expanding its internal projects for release on the public market.
Description of the Tasks/Projects Completed
I was able to work on a few internal projects for DornerWorks. Some booster packs for development boards were created by other interns, and I was able to write/modify software libraries and demo programs for them. As the internship progressed and we started using new components, I was able to make some libraries from scratch and implement them on the booster packs.
Skills/Knowledge Gained Through The Experience
I was able to learn "best practices" for coding style, as well as how to develop an efficient software library. This experience also solidified my knowledge of development boards and how the various components work together. Further, I was able to see how an engineering firm works from the inside, from quality flow procedures to company culture. It is great to know what to expect when I get hired on as an engineer.
Favorite Part of the Experience
One libraries I created was for an on-board speaker. I was able to make pitches, then notes, and finally complete songs for the demo program. I was given freedom to innovate and use my unique skills to put a personal touch on the project.
How the Experience Influenced Future Career Goals
This internship was a lot of fun, and it was a good experience to learn more about what energizes me. I was able to work with some hardware, but I really enjoyed writing and tweaking software. In this field, one will typically choose to work more with software or hardware. As a result of this experience, I know I enjoy working with software more than hardware and will continue to pursue opportunities down this line.