October 22, 2024
By Alba Garcia-Sarabia

Meet Clarice Kennedy, a fourth-year mechanical engineering student from Winter Park, Florida. In this student spotlight, Clarice talks about why she chose to study at Georgia Tech, what she likes most about her major, and her experience completing a co-op with Delta Air Lines.
 

Can you tell us a little about yourself?

My name is Clarice Kennedy. I am a fourth-year mechanical engineering major from Winter Park, Florida.
 

Why did you choose to study at Georgia Tech?

Georgia Tech has been my dream school since my sophomore year of high school. I had the opportunity to attend Focus Day, where I toured the school, heard from current students about their research projects, and checked out all of the lab spaces. At the time, every student made an effort to show the collaborative culture at Tech. It was the first school that I visited that I could truly see myself attending and I couldn’t wait to make it here one day. From that day on, all of my efforts went towards preparing my Tech application. Being on campus now, I couldn’t agree more with those students from Focus Day, and to this day, the Invention Studio still amazes me.
 

How did you become interested in mechanical engineering?

Since as long as I can remember, I have been taking things apart and putting them back together in hopes of learning what makes our world work. Even as a little kid, I loved puzzles and putting together furniture. Hearing from mechanical engineering majors at Georgia Tech helped me realize the possibilities for applying this course of study in the real world. Today, I am proud to be a mechanical engineering student because I can and hope to improve existing systems. And I still love putting together furniture.
 

In your opinion, what is the best thing about your major?

My favorite part about being a mechanical engineering student is all the hands-on experience and access to tools and technologies we receive in and out of the classroom. Not many students can say that they use power tools in class when learning how to design or make their own circuits when learning about circuits. I learn best by doing, and the hands-on skills I gained in my classes directly translated to the real-world experience needed for my co-op. 
 

Can you tell us more about your co-op?

I am completing a Ground Support Equipment (GSE) Engineering Co-Op at Delta Air Lines. I follow a rotation schedule and have been working there since last August (I just received my one-year pin). I will return in January for my final rotation.
 

What drew you to this co-op?

I heard about Delta’s co-op program from various friends and classmates and was interested from the start. I was impressed by the variety of work they all performed, being from different teams. In the process, I determined my own interests and found that the GSE Engineering Co-Op position featured the most opportunities for being hands-on and putting my mechanical skills to use.
 

How did you secure your co-op?

I was referred to the GSE department at Delta by a fellow Georgia Tech student who was completing her rotation in GSE. I passed a series of interviews with existing team members who were interested in my problem-solving skills and project experience.
 

What would you say best prepared you for your co-op?

A variety of classes, resources, and people at Georgia Tech prepared me for this co-op. ME 1670 taught me how to use SolidWorks and got me interested in CAD, something we regularly have used to design additions to our Delta equipment. ME 2110 taught me about materials and how to use the power tools that I have used to support technical installations in the shop. Yet, it was the professors and network in Women in Engineering (WIE) that helped me feel most ready and at ease with the transition from student to co-op. My WIE mentor, who is now a Georgia Tech graduate, shared her work experience with me early on and always encouraged my classmates and me to pursue opportunities that interested us. We continue to share experiences and advice today.
 

What did a typical day look like for you?

GSE works on everything on the tarmac that isn’t a plane. So, when I started my day, I kicked off with a bowl of fruit and an engineering check-in where I heard about each engineers’ ongoing projects. I then co-hosted meetings with specific vendors that informed the installation guides for additions to our equipment that I helped create for Delta. I would then go down to the main shop and support the mechanics in completing the installation add-on. Based on their experience and the notes from the vendors, I refined the installation guides. This process could take anywhere from a few hours to days, as these refinements and installations varied in scope and difficulty. Finally, I would finish writing the installation guides and run reviews with all necessary senior engineers. Upon their approval, the installation guide would be dropped on our intranet and available to all Delta employees. I would then finish off my day test driving equipment on the tarmac and watching planes land.
 

What did you like most about your co-op? Is there a moment that stands out to you from your experience?

I've had an amazing co-op experience overall. I've especially enjoyed the hands-on nature of the work and the support of my team. Spending time in the shop and learning how Delta’s equipment and designs work, have helped me see how the concepts we covered in class are applied to a specific industry. I have also learned skills outside of my day-to-day, including how to weld, change my car oil, and how to de-ice a plane. Throughout my time, I have traveled to many beautiful places both for work and leisure. My most recent work trip included a trip to Seattle to guide a team of mechanics in a highly technical installation process. However, it is the support of my team that has made this co-op experience unforgettable. Engineers always share their experiences with me and take the time to mentor me as an early-career professional and student. They have formed a culture of collaboration and friendship, and we often get lunch together or hit a few golf balls as a team.
 

What advice do you have for other students who are interested in an internship or co-op?

To any student looking for an internship or co-op, don’t be afraid to apply. Georgia Tech prepares you very well for mechanical engineering and other engineering roles. Be sure to talk to your peers about their ongoing internships and experiences, so you can determine your own preferences and goals.

For any students starting their internships or co-ops, be open to learning about any and everything. Most full-time employees are willing and wanting to share their experiences with you, don’t miss out on this great opportunity to listen. Continue to challenge yourself to try something new because internships are a great time to explore and learn more about what you excel in and enjoy.
 

What’s one fun fact about yourself?

I find welding really therapeutic. This summer I learned how to MIG and TIG weld from Delta’s welding mechanics.