- Major: Computer Engineering
- Company: Siemens Molecular
- Graduation Year: Dec 2021
- E-mail: ajone239@vols.utk.edu
Profile
Murfreesboro, TN
I worked two terms for Siemens Molecular Imaging which is a company known for making PET scanners, which are internal imaging machines. I was on assignment locally in Knoxville, and worked in electrical research and development. I mainly created debugging tools for the engineers and assisted them as I could. I currently work there part-time in Electrical Research and Development, and I am engaged in a proof-of-concept project to test the viability of a new architecture.
Most recently I did a co-op with Garmin. They are known for their navigation devices, fitness wearables, outdoor equipment, and much more. I was located at their headquarters in Olathe, Kansas for the full summer of 2021. I worked in the Marine department, doing embedded software for the power systems of chart plotters. Participating in the co-op program is a wonderful way to gain industry experience. I chose to co-op to apply the skills learned in school to real products.
I designed and implemented the firmware that performed power management for an upcoming product in Garmin's Marine line. From an academic perspective, being on the job can teach diligence and perseverance. A co-op can provide a problem that may not have a solution - a rare treat to find in college classes. From a professional standpoint, meta skills are gained in the workplace: speaking with engineers, getting help, code review- all things college can miss, but that are a must in the work place.
I choose to co-op because I thought I would greatly benefit from obtaining the co-op experience. One of the key things I learned was to ask for help. I spent weeks working on an issue for which I was too prideful to ask for help. A superior of mine sat down with me and we cranked it out in an hour.
I have learned more worthwhile knowledge on co-ops than school can provide. Academia is a good place to gain knowledge, but professional practice experiences provide the application side of the work which can be missed if one doesn’t take advantage of co-op.
In my spare time, I enjoy rock climbing, reading, playing chess, cooking, and cycling.
