Getting to Know Our ACE Collegiate Intern:
Elizabeth:
What drew you to work with the Aerospace Center For Excellence?
Ever since I entered the aerospace community, I have always wanted to be a part of something great. When I reached high school, I attended Central Florida Aerospace Academy and noticed I enjoyed the mission of ACE and what they wanted to accomplish. So, after taking a gap year to explore my other options, I realized I missed aviation and teaching. ACE is the perfect place for that dream to become a reality.
What advice or tips do you have for current students looking to get an internship?
Show up. If you want something bad enough, you will work hard for it. I volunteered at ACE for 2 months straight before they offered me a job. I showed up and worked hard for people to notice me and my work.
What has been the most rewarding part of your internship, so far?
When I was at the Holiday Fly-In with the five Jr. Interns, we all saw the airshow on that Friday. One of the Jr. Interns, Anthony, was so excited to see the Mig-17 fly by so close. The reactions to his first airshow are what make my job rewarding. It honestly makes me keep going in my work.
What have you discovered about yourself through this internship?
I found out that I am very creative when it comes to curriculum and lesson planning. I didn’t realize how much I would enjoy building a curriculum structure until we started the project. I am definitely looking forward to building the rest of them in the future. I have also discovered that I missed flying. So, I decided to start training for my Private Pilot’s License at Legends Aviation Academy.
Where do you see yourself with ACE in 1 year?
I see myself teaching the lessons in the Redbird Flight Simulator Laboratory. It has been a goal of mine since I started working at ACE and I plan on making that goal by this time next year.
Fall Semester Junior Internship Highlights:
Ashlee Driskell:
Why did you want to intern with the Aerospace Center For Excellence?
I was open to anything that the ACE program needed me to assist with.
What has been your favorite part about being in this program?
Being able to help the education system in the museum and getting to know people in the aerospace community.
How is interning with ACE going to help with your career/accomplishments?
It will give me an idea of the workforce in an office environment as I become familiar with those around me.
What is something you’re looking forward to in this program?
I believe this is a unique and fun place to work, and I aim to work here in the future. In other words, I want to have an enjoyable experience while working. That is hard to find for high schoolers.
Where do you see yourself with ACE in 1 year?
Teaching the various age groups who visit all about the ACE program and aerospace in general. I hope to show what it takes to educate and be part of the aerospace community.
Anthony Benash:
Why did you want to intern with the Aerospace Center For Excellence?
I wanted to intern at ACE to be able to use and teach people how to 3d print!
What has been your favorite part about being in this program?
I like working with my college intern, Liz, and being a part of this team.
How is interning with ACE going to help with your career/accomplishments?
This will help teach me office behavior and language that comes from the atmosphere and industry-related activities.
What is something you’re looking forward to in this program?
I look forward to getting involved with the 3d printing club and other events.
Where do you see yourself with ACE in 1 year?
I look forward to continuing to be a junior intern.
Will Corl:
Why did you want to intern with the Aerospace Center For Excellence?
I wanted to intern with ACE to help expand my aviation knowledge and to work with aviation professionals.
What has been your favorite part about being in this program?
My favorite part about being in this program has been working with fellow students and professionals in aviation.
How is interning with ACE going to help with your career/accomplishments?
ACE will help with my career and accomplishments by connecting me with people and programs that can help me in the future.
What is something you’re looking forward to in this program?
I am looking forward to gaining new interns.
Where do you see yourself with ACE in 1 year?
I see myself still working at ACE and gaining more knowledge as I continue through this internship.
Braden Terry:
Why did you want to intern with the Aerospace Center For Excellence?
I wanted to intern with the Aerospace Center for Excellence because I wanted to advance my knowledge and understanding of the aerospace industry and pursue a career in aerospace
.What has been your favorite part about being in this program?
My favorite part about the junior internship has been advancing my professional relationships in alignment with my future career.
How is interning with ACE going to help with your career/accomplishments?
ACE Is helping me with my career and accomplishments by allowing me to start developing connections to support and build my career.
What is something you’re looking forward to in this program?
I’m looking forward to continuing with the ACE Junior Internship program and seeing the reactions from all of the middle schools and kids we give tours to. I believe kids can come here and find their inspiration for an aviation career.
Where do you see yourself with ACE in 1 year?
I see myself continuing the junior internship program in a year and learning and expanding my knowledge in my career in aviation.
