My Experience at Newport News Shipbuilding a Subdivision of Huntington Ingalls Industries
The summer of 2016 I started my career as an Intern at Newport News Shipbuilding (NNS) a subdivision of Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII). NNS is the largest industrial employer in Virginia, and sole designer, builder and refueler of U.S. Navy aircraft carriers and one of two providers of U.S. Navy submarines. Accepting an internship from NNS was such an exciting opportunity to become a part of a large company that plays an important role in defending our country. The department I was hired on to was E44: Networks Communication and Automation. The Networks Communications and Automation Department provides superior design, engineering and innovation for the development, integration/test, delivery and support for vital shipboard Interior Communications, Damage Control, Voice, Video, Navigation, Machinery Control and Monitoring Systems, Networks and Cyber Security. After 3 months of interning for department E44, I was brought on full time as a System Engineer 1 in a new department which was T55: Solutions Development. T55:Solutions Development Provides full lifecycle services for the development, delivery and support of IT solutions which includes eliciting detailed requirements, solution identification, design, construction, testing, and implementation of solutions required by the operating plan while driving continuous SDLC process improvement and pursuing new IT solution development capabilities to enable future business opportunities.
Throughout my Internship and job I had the opportunity to gain and learn through many experiences. 3 things really stuck out that I can take away this semester. The first being new and improved skills, the second is a greater sense of professionalism, and the last was more confidence in my career direction. One of the most important things that I took away from my internship was my knowledge. Hands on experience helped me gain a greater sense of professionalism. Last but on least I now have a clearer understanding of what my dream job looks like.
The knowledge I gained during my internship was how to fulfill tasks relevant to my desired career path. I also spent time improving and sharpening the skills that I already possessed. Throughout my internship I always kept my end goal in mind. Even with my full time job I am always looking to improve my skills and knowledge to get into the next position, move up on the corporate ladder in a sense.
Working in an office was difficult for me to get used to especially when majority of the office was filled with baby boomers and very few millennia’s. But the only way to get used to it and also learn the culture is to jump right in and interact with people you might have not necessarily interacted with throughout your 4 years in college. I learned how to be more professional during my internship by having mentors teach me and learning my marking the perfect man if you will.
I also gained a better understanding of where I wanted to go in my career. I learned who are in the positions I want to be in and gained mentors to help me get their one day. In the end my mentors helped me write out a 2-3, 5-10, and even 15-20 year career plan and detailed steps on how to achieve the plans.
In the end I have enjoyed my time thus far at NNS-HII, early on in my career I have already have had lifelong experiences with the company that I will never forget and that will add value to my life. I appreciated NNS-HII giving me this opportunity and I’m using it to excel at my career.
Jordan Hubbard
MIS 3581 Fall 2016
Professor Laurel Miller
December 9,2016