Day in the Life of a Summer Intern

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When planning for any of my summers, I always want to maximize my educational and professional opportunities. Now, as a rising sophomore studying Industrial Engineering at Purdue, I was thrilled to find I have secured a role as a Defense Manufacturing Engineering Intern at Rolls-Royce in Indianapolis. However, facing my first internship felt a bit intimidating, and I started feeling some anxious anticipation. On top of that new transition, I was also planning to balance a summer course, MA 26100 Multivariable Calculus. Fortunately, I wouldn’t have to navigate this transition alone. Purdue University offers so many various resources and has a strong connection to the Indianapolis area; I knew that reaching out for any support needed, both through Purdue and Rolls-Royce, would make balancing both commitments manageable. To give you an idea of how it's going, here is what a typical day in my life looks like this summer: 


First Day at Rolls-Royce

My workdays begin early at 5:30am in the morning. After getting ready and changing into my business casual clothes, I always remember to grab my Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including my steel-toed boots and safety glasses. This gear is a strict requirement for the manufacturing floor at Rolls-Royce, where safety is the top priority for their employees. Before I leave, I make breakfast to kickstart my day and give me the energy I need to start my mornings on the right foot. Ultimately, I arrive at work by 6:20am for the first stand-up meeting of the day at 6:30am with all my department operators. Whether I am attending team meetings, managing projects, or communicating with operators, each day provides me with opportunities to grow my technical skills and gain hands-on experience. All my coworkers create a welcoming environment where I can communicate and collaborate on necessary projects, and I feel like I am helping make effective contributions to the company. After my usual 9-hour day, I head out at 3:30pm and drive back to my apartment in the downtown Indianapolis area. 


Rolls-Royce Intern Event @ Victory Field in Indianapolis

In the afternoons, I spend some time completing my necessary schoolwork. Balancing an internship with a summer course has certainly been a challenge, but staying organized and planning my weeks out has made all the difference. I set aside time each evening to watch my lectures, complete homework assignments, and prepare for upcoming quizzes or exams. 


Friend Hangout at Back 9 Golf in Indianapolis

One of the most helpful resources this summer has been taking advantage of the opportunity to live in the Purdue in Indianapolis summer intern housing. Through this experience, I found I can connect with fellow interns from various companies through community events and shared experiences. Ultimately, I find that thriving during a packed summer schedule comes down to preparation, proactivity, time management, and making an effort to care for your physical and mental well-being. While balancing an internship with academics seemed daunting at first, the opportunity to grow both personally and professionally has been rewarding. 


Purdue All-American Marching Band in the Indianapolis 500 Parade in Downtown Indy

LT Tip: If you are interested in completing a summer class or obtaining a summer internship, Purdue has helpful resources for both incoming freshman and current students. Taking advantage of these resources early in your college career can help with your personal and professional growth. Contacting the Office of Summer and Winter Session for their Early Start Program as a freshman is a great way to transition into college without the possible stress of the huge change in routine. Additionally, if you are looking to explore internship options at Purdue, the Center for Career Opportunities (CCO) offers resume reviews, mock interviews, career fairs, and networking resources to help you find positions that match your interests. Using these resources early in your college career can make the internship search feel less overwhelming and set you up for a fun and nurturing summer experience.


Nicki Gieseke, IE '29

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