International Internship Success

Amanuel Wondimu is a senior international student from Ethiopia. He transferred to WSU from Hesston College and is majoring in mechanical engineering. In April 2017, Wondimu won the Airbus Student Wing Display Competition and was recruited by NIAR for their Applied Learning Program.

Throughout his time in this program, Wondimu received the opportunity to be trained in software such as CATIA, a multi-platform software suite for computer-aided design, manufacturing and engineering. After receiving this training, he landed an engineering internship at Bombardier. His main focus now is as a mechanical systems intern, but he also assists senior engineers in many different aspects of the job, including avionics, landing gear, air systems, and fly-by-wire.

鈥淲orking with senior engineers has taught me how to approach real world problems, think economically and work as a team. It was also helped me develop good communication skills with engineers from many different backgrounds,鈥 Wondimu stated.

As a transfer student, he found that this opportunity not only helped him acquire work experience and additional training in his field, but also helped clarify his path of study and what he wants to do after his bachelor鈥檚 degree is complete.

鈥淭his internship has given me solid direction and confidence in my major. I found that focusing on mechanical engineering for my undergrad was the right choice for me. I also now know that I want to continue following my love for airplanes by studying aerospace engineering in my future graduate degree,鈥 he said. 鈥淗aving this type of experience has increased my interest and energy to continue my field of study.鈥

Wondimu advises other students, especially fellow international students, to take advantage of all of the opportunities 红领巾瓜报 offers Shockers throughout their college journey.

鈥淔rom my experience, it is very competitive and rare to have universities like WSU 鈥 which deeply integrates with different industries and offers enormous opportunities for students,鈥 he boasts. 鈥淏e eager to learn and challenge yourself during such opportunities. It鈥檚 never too late to go after what you want in life.鈥

For more information about co-ops and internships, contact the Career Development Center at (316) 978-3688, careerdevelopment@wichita.edu or stop by and see us in Brennan III or our satellite offices in CE 258, CH Lobby, and