Summer 2018 Intern Spotlight

  Drew came to LA NPDT because he was excited to develop innovations, work in electrical product development and improve people’s lives. Little did he know, he would be doing a wide variety of tasks that pushed the boundaries of his electrical engineering studies and help him develop new skillsets. Working at LA NPDT, he has seen products evolve from ideas to fruition and discovered the benefits of working as a well-organized team. After his internship, he is excited and more motivated than ever to learn everything he can.

What brought you to LA NPDT?

New products and technologies bring fascinating capabilities and enable what we have only dreamed of in the past. Obviously, these innovations can help better people’s lives, but they also open opportunities for businesses to achieve growth and prosperity. We are more connected to one another than we have ever been. As an electrical engineering student and lover of electrical product development, I’m excited by the impact of electronic devices in our lives, and I’m enthusiastic about the possibilities for our future.

What were your day-to-day responsibilities with electrical product development?

As you might imagine, every day was very different. Sometimes morning may start with writing a blog post and, by the afternoon, I’d be working on electrical product development. Electrical engineering is my field of study but this internship has allowed me to exercise and develop a much broader range of skills and knowledge. In product development as well as electrical product development, you are encouraged—and inspired—to develop different skill sets. Every client is different, and new ideas are birthed with every vision. I did everything from 3D modeling to 3D printing prototypes that our clients can hold in their hands. In product development, you’re not just creating an object. You’re helping give birth to a dream.

What were the big takeaways?

It was incredible to see the effect of following a plan and working as a team. I was able to see ideas and sketches turn into realized products that I could use myself. The labs and hands-on projects at Louisiana Tech University gave me a solid foundation for the product development field, but it wasn’t until my internship at LA New Product Development Team that I was able to see firsthand just how valuable an excellent education can be. The inspiration I got here makes me much more motivated for my senior year, and I can’t wait to soak up all that I can from my great mentors and professors.

What were some of the big challenges at LA NPDT?

At LA NPDT, I was encouraged to find the best solution’s to meet our client’s goals. In my previous work experience, I was used to getting cut and dry orders and living in the black and white, but there’s so much more creativity involved in product development. It’s not just a 9 to 5 job. There have been instances where we only have a weekend to do electrical product development and complete a prototype that a client needs to showcase at an important conference. As a team, we did whatever it took to complete the task.  The challenges were plenty but they were very rewarding, and my internship here has really changed my way of thinking and my way of life.

How has your career outlook changed?

At first, I was intimidated by the product development process and what someone has to do to start a company. Launching a product is a challenge, but if you surround yourself with the right people and prepare a well-crafted plan, anything is possible. After my experience here, I am motivated more than ever before and excited for my future.