Fresh from the plains of Nebraska and her summer internship, R’riel Smith is on the right track.
Smith, a senior industrial engineering student, spent her summer interning with Union Pacific Railroad in Omaha, Nebraska. She sat down with us to discuss how her summer internship impacted her personally and professionally.
Q: What was it like working for Union Pacific Railroad?
A: Working at Union Pacific Railroad was an eye-opening experience. I was able to learn so much about myself while gaining true confidence in my skills. The people that I surrounded myself with pushed me to develop and mature in ways I didn't think were possible. I learned how to navigate a corporate environment as a minority woman and collaborate with my coworkers and supervisors.
I was able to learn about the intricacies of a rail line and calculate the most efficient way to move trains along laid lines. I was able to grasp vague concepts, optimize and put math behind what I created. I was able to use my industrial engineering courses for the duration of this internship.
Q: What was your favorite part of your internship?
A: My favorite part of my internship was learning about myself and maturing as an intern. I was thrown some curveballs with my assignments during my internship, but I ended up nailing my presentation and receiving a job offer!
Q: What are you glad that you knew before starting this internship?
A: I am glad that I learned to believe in myself before seeking approval from others. If you live a life of looking for others’ approval, it will lead to your demise. While keeping the previous statement in mind, you have to remember that internships are for your experience and exposure, and you are not obligated to take a job or another internship in a place where you don’t feel you will grow.
Sometimes you will have a lot of options and choices to make. You have to balance your personal and professional growth and make good connections. You never want to close a door because you might someday want to walk back through it for a different opportunity. Making good connections is very important as an intern and professional.
Q: What are you doing now?
A: I had a busy summer with my internship and a study abroad in Greece, and this fall semester is even busier! I am currently the Texas Zone Chair Red in the National Society of Black Engineers, with eight chapters that range from 20-140 individuals each that report to me.
Along with that, I am the vice president of Aggie Big Kick it, a committee of the Black Former Student Network. My focus is to work with my team to bring minority former students back to campus. I am the marketing chair of the Matthew Gaines Initiative. We are working to increase awareness of the Matthew Gaines Commemoration statue and raise money for it. I am also a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated.
In addition to my other roles, I am blessed to be working with Dr. Mike Graul as an industrial and systems engineering student ambassador. In this position, I help recruit potential industrial engineering students to Texas A&M.
Q: Do you think engineering students should pursue internships?
A: Yes! Of course! Internships and co-ops are great opportunities for personal and professional growth. They are also a great opportunity to earn money you can use to pay for tuition, which is what I use my internship salary for. You also have the opportunity to explore new cities, make friends from all over the world and grow your resume.