High School Intern Spotlight

Hannah wanted to become an intern at Lockheed Martin because she knew she would be able to cultivate her interests in engineering and gain a perspective on what the professional work environment is like. Her favorite thing about being an intern is meeting new people in her department and hearing their stories of how they got into this industry and why they choose to stay at Lockheed Martin.

Now she works on the F-35 external loads team, determining how loads affect the aerodynamics of the jet.

When she’s not at work or school, she likes to hang out with friends, make music with her violin and guitar, and compete in Track & Field as a pole vaulter.

1. The Team. When I was introduced to my supervisor and team, I was definitely nervous about presenting a good first impression but quickly realized how amicable everyone is. This nervousness dissipated as I started talking to some coworkers through the week and found similar interests in music. During my first task, I was assigned to a coworker who plays the saxophone. As a fellow musician, we began chatting about classical music like Paganini and Stravinsky. I enjoyed working with him and everyone else I had a chance to collaborate with. 

2. Constant Learning. As an intern, let alone in high school, I obviously came in thinking, “What could I possibly do here that would contribute to something as complex, advance, and important as the F-35 Lightning II?” This thought remained as I received my assignment from my supervisor. Thankfully, I was paired with a coworker who would oversee my work. My experience with this project was one of growth and constant learning. 

3. The Gym. Not only do I squeeze a workout into my daily schedule, I feel invigorated driving home and for the rest of my day. 

As a high school intern at such an expansive company, the learning experiences are endless. Interacting with engineers on a daily basis presents a one-of-a-kind learning opportunity. Every day, I get to pick their brains and ask question which reveals a large part of how their minds work when solving problems. There is a sense of responsibility and logical thinking that drives the project forward. When an unexpected obstacle comes up, no time is spent worrying about the problem. There will always be unexpected issues, but the outstanding characteristic of engineers is not having expectations about the outcome, making them ready to solve whatever problems thrown their way.

I am thankful for this opportunity to be in a professional workplace and for all the lessons I’ve gained from my coworkers. Throughout this year, I have seen so many people exhibit attributes of professionalism in the office which has showed me the importance of being accountable, punctual, and always having a positive attitude wherever I go.

I have become increasingly aware of my attitude at school and how easily it can spread to others, whether good or bad. While negative attitudes can quickly dampen the atmosphere at work, positive attitudes can help lighten up everybody’s mood as well. Accountability is another huge characteristic present in anyone who is striving to succeed here. There is never the thought of putting less effort into your work because you should put enough effort in to be able to take full responsibility for everything that comes from your hands. This principle applies more than ever in school. With college on the horizon, I need to be sharpening up my work habits and this could not have better prepared me.

Tariq wanted to become an intern at Lockheed Martin because he knew it would be a once in a lifetime opportunity to experience engineering at its best at such an early age. His favorite thing about being an intern is getting to see what it’s like to be an engineer in the adult world as a high school senior.

He is working on a new software tool to support the engineering process.

When he’s not at work, he likes to sing. He has been very involved in his school choirs since he was in elementary school. It has become a huge passion of his.

1. Mentors. All of the Lockheed Martin employees are extremely nice, they welcomed me to the team with open arms and made my transition from high school to my internship it super easy. Everyone is helpful and are always here for me whenever I need help.

2. The Production Line. The production line is one of the coolest things I’ve seen in my life. It’s incredible to see how it starts and ends in such perfect order. I remember looking up and down the mile-long production line where the golf carts drive, thinking how cool it was. The fact that I get to see these beautiful jets being made on my way into the office is out of this world amazing. 

3. The Cafe. Going from the school cafeteria food to the amazingly delicious food here at Lockheed Martin was one of my absolute favorite parts of the internship.

My year at Lockheed Martin has taught me so much. Not only from an engineering perspective, but also as a young man who is about to become an adult. I feel so blessed to be able to learn such advanced engineering knowledge from such an amazing engineering company before I step foot on a college campus. I never thought I would know so much about aeronautical engineering while I’m still in high school. Being at Lockheed Martin has also helped me see what the adult workplace is like so that I can be prepared and not so scared when the time comes again.

I’ve spent a lot of time in classes that I’ve always hoped would help me when I became an engineer. It was truly exhausting but taking those math, science and engineering classes has opened my mind and enabled me to think more like an engineer. It makes me feel good when I’m reading technical reports and I’m able to understand the information and math work.

Being at Lockheed Martin every other day and learning more every day is super cool. It is fun when I’m sitting in my engineering classes at school and my teacher will be teaching something to my class that I already know from my experiences at Lockheed Martin.

Hannah wanted to become an intern at Lockheed Martin because she wants to establish herself as a woman in engineering. Her favorite thing about being an intern is the ability to learn hands on and meet inspiring individuals.

Now she works on the Technical Display Team, creating memorable experiences involving aircraft models.

When she’s not at work or school, she likes to serve her community, play soccer, or hang out with friends.

1. Hands-On Experience. There is just something extremely interesting to me about using my hands to create something. Ever since I took my first engineering class in 7^th grade I have always enjoyed the experience of completing a hands-on project. On a daily basis I use my hands to construct or design something new. Because of this, I can officially and successfully say I have put together an F-35 full scale model and helped a trade show come alive.

2. The Team. While working at Lockheed Martin I have met many influential individuals. My team in Technical Displays always encourages me and makes me feel a part of the family. During my short time here I have learned so much. Not only educational learning, but also life lessons I will carry with me forever. My team has instilled hard work and dedication in me, while also making our office feel like home.

3. The F-35 Lightning II. The fact I can see some of the most impressive and high tech aircraft everyday will never get old. What I find most interesting about the jets that fly over my head is that every person has somehow touched that jet. Maybe not physically, but everyone at Lockheed Martin had a role to play in that jet. When I hear that jet fly over me I know in some small way I might have helped get that jet in the sky. 

This internship has not only given me insight on how the engineering world works but it has also helped me with school work.

One of the most important things I’ve learned at Lockheed Martin is that you don’t get everything right the first time. In school you turn in assignments, get the grade, and then you’re done. But at Lockheed Martin you don’t just finish a project and leave it – you keep working at it until it is right. For example, I was working on an instruction manual for the F-35 Full Scale Model and it took multiple attempts, edits and revisions in order to meet Lockheed Martin standards. Additionally, this internship has helped me improve my time management skills. Now, I can handle multiple tasks at once and complete them all in a timely manner.

On daily basis I find myself applying what I’ve learned in the classroom to my internship work.  For example, I use the CAD (Computer-aided Design) systems at Lockheed Martin, which is a software that learned how to use in class. There are many STEM classes that show students how to use CAD software. I have taken many of these classes in order to be prepared for my future career as an engineer.

Matthew has wanted to work at Lockheed Martin since he was in 7^th grade and a Lockheed Martin employee visited his class and gave a presentation about the company. In high school, the opportunity to become an intern presented itself and he has never looked back. His favorite thing about being an intern is the fact that he’s an asset to the team, and not doing stereotypical intern work.

He works on the Software Flight Control team to help run tests for programs like the F-35.

When he’s not at work or school, he likes to be with friends, eat, and play sports.

1. The Team. At Lockheed Martin, I am part of the Software Flight Control Department, and the team I work with is great. I love how we can joke around with each other, talk about events going on in our lives but also how we all work together to get our jobs done

2. The Production Line. The production line here is the true feature of Lockheed Martin Aeronautics. The mile-long production line shows how F-35s are built, start to finish, so walking down the aisle you see everyone’s work going into the aircraft. Step by step, it shows everybody the fruits of their labor.

3. Jets Flying All Day. At what other job can you see military jets just soaring overhead as you come and go?  Very few, if I had to say so myself, but this is an exception. I am always in shock seeing these aircrafts fly above me as it’s a true work of art and engineering. The most advanced fighter jets in this entire world are just thousands of feet from me in action, and it’s just an astonishing sight!

It has been an honor and a blessing to have an internship at Lockheed Martin. I have learned a number of things that I will carry on throughout my life. From an engineering perspective, I have learned that sometimes you must think outside the box to solve problems and projects. Sometimes, when you’re stuck, you just need to take a step back and look at it from another perspective to try and find another solution.

Additionally, I have learned things in school that I was able to apply to some of the work I do here. I took a couple computer science classes at my high school. This helped me because I’m in the Software Flight Control department, and I’ve had a couple coding products. The classes I took taught me the basics to coding, and I was able to learn the rest with the help of my team members.

Furthermore, I was able to also use what I learned at this internship and apply it to school. I have built a good work ethic here when working with projects, which is a very useful tool to get through life. I carried this skill back to my classes in school, and it has helped me procrastinate less. Overall, this internship was a great learning experience for me and has helped me grow as a person.

All four of these interns are members of a Project Lead The Way class at their high school. Lockheed Martin partners with Project Lead The Way across the nation to inspire and empower the next generation of engineers and STEM professionals.

Follow these four interns and their experiences at Lockheed Martin! Our interns have a lot of fun, and they're not the only ones. Check out opportunities to take the next step in your career...whether it's an internship or a full-time position.