Business Unit: Boeing Global Services
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
University: Brandeis University
Degree Program: B.S. in Computer Science

What program and team are you a part of, and what kind of work are you doing?

I have several roles in my job as a developer. I am running security scans, which is a requirement by the U.S. Department of Defense for companies to bid on contracts. The scans are on the applications that Boeing internally creates and uses, to ensure the safety of our information. I also provide application development/support for various Boeing applications by completing change requests through coding, debugging, researching, and deploying.

How did you hear about Boeing’s internship opportunity and why did you decide to apply?

I was a sponsored attendee of the Grace Hopper Celebration 2021, and the first internship I applied for was Boeing’s because of a very personal connection I had. My father, along with his parents and brother, immigrated from Calabria, Italy to New York in 1966, and they made it here on their first-ever flight on a Boeing 707. My American heritage began because Boeing safely transported my family here. My life began because Boeing made sure my family landed safely in New York where they built a new life for the future generations of my family to achieve the American dream. I want to give this company everything I have to offer, because this company introduced my family to a whole new world.

What excites you the most about Boeing’s mission and in what ways is your team making a real-world impact?

I have so much pride in what our company stands for and it shows every day in the work I do. We have a mission to digitally advance Boeing’s people, products and services to uphold Boeing’s overall mission, which is to protect, connect and explore the world and beyond. Boeing’s C-17 and F-15 defense programs have requests for their applications that help ensure efficiency and high productivity and I am one of the software engineers who brings about those changes. Everyone at Boeing has a crucial role, and each sector needs the other.

What has been your favorite experience so far?

Building a strong foundational relationship with my manager and my software developing mentor/teammate. I have learned beyond the scope of development from them. With their help, I have strengthened so many skills, including communication, teamwork, collaboration, adaptability, flexibility, and critical thinking. Every day I learn something new!

In what ways do you feel supported?

My team from the top-down is amazing. Everyone validates concerns that I raise, questions that I have, and ideas that I propose. My team encourages creativity, and is always ready to jump on a call with me to help. I like to consider my manager as my coach because he passionately answers all of my questions in great detail, whether they are questions regarding advice for today or for the future, and he genuinely wants success for each member of his team.

How has your internship shaped your educational and career goals?

My internship has introduced me to a world within tech that I never knew. There is so much that I can be. I would love to join the Information Technology Career Foundation Program after I graduate. I will be exposed to so many different sides of tech, and able to discover a potential passion or deep interest in a new discipline that I can further my education in, through the Learning Together Program. Boeing gives you all the tools you need to learn, grow and succeed -- and I look forward to using those tools and making great impacts on our company. My career goals are big. I hope to one day be an executive leader here!

What advice do you have for students who are interested in interning at Boeing?

Fight your imposter syndrome and apply! When you are here, your number one priority is to learn, and stay hungry. You are never done learning. This will be the best experience of your life because you will see how bright your future is and how far Boeing will take you.