Tyler, a sophomore mechanical engineering student, completed a successful internship at McFarland Johnson, a planning, technology and construction services firm.
Tyler secured his internship after attending an O’Brien Center STEM career fair, where he connected with Merrimack alum Paul McDonough. There, Tyler and Paul exchanged contact and kept in touch, and shortly after Paul reached out with an opportunity for Tyler at McFarland Johnson.
As an engineering intern, Tyler worked in the Philadelphia office for 3 months. During this time, he worked on several projects, including one at the Philadelphia airport centered around the installation of a new transformer to run monitors. Tyler had to conduct research on the transformer to ensure that it would efficiently operate for the airport.
Tyler emphasized that his internship provided valuable real-world experience, allowing him to actively contribute to projects that were not just theoretical but actually implemented. He highlighted the opportunity to gain hands-on involvement, develop practical skills and see his work make a tangible impact.
Through this experience, valuable technical skills were developed, including working with programs such as AutoCAD and Revit. Tyler said he expanded soft skills as well, especially his communication. His previous experience in the Army allowed him to make meaningful contributions to the internship while continuing to develop a new and diverse skill set. Tyler also noted the importance of background work that goes into the engineering process that he had to learn. This includes planning, budgeting, organization and all the behind-the-scenes processes.
This summer, Tyler will be interning for McFarland Johnson again, this time with more of a focus on mechanical engineering in their Concord, New Hampshire office. Tyler looks forward to continuing his knowledge and growth in the mechanical engineering field.
Any conversation at a career fair or networking event can lead to a future internship, valuable connection or job opportunity. Always stay alert for opportunities through the O’Brien Center, whether they come in the form of an email, a career fair or a campus event.
