- Major: Mechanical Engineering
- Company: JTEKT North America
- Graduation Year: May 2022
- E-mail: ncapell1@vols.utk.edu
Profile
Spring Hill, Tennessee
I completed a yearlong co-op with JTEKT North America, where I worked in the cost planning department as a financial analyst out of two offices in Vonore and Morristown, Tennessee. JTEKT is a leading automotive manufacture, supplying driveline and steering systems. Responsibilities for this position included reviewing business planning and operations strategies targeted to achieving cost savings through waste reduction and program re-engineering, developing, and analyzing Requests For Quotations (RFQs) and updating accompanying financial forecasts to be reported for the fiscal year and collaborating in weekly leadership meetings to analyze current plant operations and business activities. Overall, I gained incredible experience working as part of a cross-functional team for a global company in the automotive industry. The projects I was assigned to allowed me to strengthen my skills in financial modeling, project management and leadership. I developed a stronger knowledge of business operations, manufacturing, and supply chain.
I initially wanted to participate in a co-op because I wanted to better prepare myself for the career field upon graduation and have further insight into positions I may enjoy through hands on experience. In working with the Engineering Professional Practice office, I was able to create a strong resume that expressed my intentions in obtaining a co-op experience and highlighted my skillset that made me a good candidate for various positions. After attending the Engineering Expo and speaking with several different companies, I chose to work with JTEKT, since it provided the best fit in regard to what I was hoping to gain from the experience.
Perhaps the most significant piece of knowledge I took with me after my co-op was how to grow and thrive in a fast-paced, multi-faceted environment. In working on several projects at a time, and with a variety of people from different departments, I learned how to utilize my time in the most efficient way and develop the confidence to ask questions to produce the best results possible for any projects.
My strengthened skills resulting from the co-op will support my drive for success in the future, and I am grateful for my team at JTEKT that worked diligently to support my growth as a young professional.
If you have heard our office, but maybe haven’t taken the step to work with us, I absolutely encourage you to do so. My decision to simply ask for help on my resume ultimately led to my incredible journey to developing the start of my career as an engineer. If you are intimidated by the idea of working with companies for an internship or co-op, or perhaps feel that you may not yet have the “qualifications” to gain an experience, try mustering the courage to put yourself out there; determination and adaptability speak volumes to the great things you could do for when given a chance.
Outside of school and work, I enjoy sewing, cooking, painting and reading. I enjoy learning new creative skills and would love to author a book one day.
