Castine Current
experiences that MMA students participate in are
Services Office to increase and strengthen the op-
ALUMNI
not intended to take up time ­ students are work-
portunities available for undergraduates seeking
ing on real projects. Fay stated, "We've worked
co-ops, internships, and cadet shipping billets.
HELPING
hard to make internships academical y rewarding
As Sakahara indicated, "the value of an internship
while being as similar to a real entry-level posi-
is immeasurable. It allows you to test an area or
STUDENTS: IT'S tionaspossible. Weaugmentthatbyassigning
field for a period of time with the understanding
interns to real projects, giving them real respon-
that it's only temporary. I had one internship
WHAT WE'RE
sibilities, and a mandate to present their results to
that I detested; however, being able to say that I
senior management and engineers at the end of
had experience in that field has helped me get to
ALL ABOUT
their internship. Interns leave with a good sense
my current position, and it also helped focus my
of how to develop a project through conversa-
career decision. Working with the interns in my
By Dr. Donald Maier
tions with internal customers, how to perform the
organization has showed me that a majority have
Associate Dean, LSS-IBL
technical aspects and manage the business side of
other internship experience and because of those
their project, and how to confidently present the
experiences, they bring new thoughts and ideas to
M
results of one's work to a probing audience."
help improve our processes."
MA prides itself on its hands-on
Regarding MMA alumni participation in
Sullivan noted, "Alumni can play a part in the
learning opportunities and most
helping current students, Sullivan stated, "MMA
overal success of getting students in the door. Just
majors require students to complete
alumni such as Lauren Sakahara have helped a
being mentors for these students" [helps students
experiential undertakings. Students in the
great deal with Boeing. Lauren was a great men-
navigate the complicated maze of procedures to
International Business & Logistics major must
tor, preparing me for my journey. For example,
find and secure internships]. "It's crazy how some
complete a co-op, which entails at least 480 hours
Lauren helped coach me with my presentation
company's websites can be so confusing." Sullivan
of industry-related work experience. Although
skil s by ensuring I included my project highlights
continued, "I most certainly appreciate what
both faculty and Career Services play a role in
and making me feel more comfortable present-
Lauren has done for me by showing me where to
finding opportunities for these students, it is
ing to senior management. She even went out
go to find the `right' information."
the responsibility of the students to secure their
of her way to help Andi and me become more
Flannery, as wel , observed, "I wil be a huge
positions. Fortunately, MMA's alumni network
acclimated to the Seattle area. It was tough in the
promoter of MMA students when I obtain a
provides exceptional support to students.
beginning being so far away from home but with
position because without the alumni connection,
During the summer of 2013, two IBL students
Lauren's support, she made us both feel welcome."
I wouldn't have been able to gain this wonderful
found themselves co-op experiences as supply
Invariably, most colleges and universities claim
opportunity."
chain analyst interns at the Boeing Company in
that their alumni offer invaluable assistance to
"More alums helping more students is a great
Seattle, WA. Andi Flannery (East Machias) and
undergraduates. However, MMA alumni com-
opportunity to give visibility to MMA and the
Shane Sullivan (Bucksport) were two of over
municate regularly with faculty and the Career
hardworking students it produces," according to
1,800 interns Boeing employed. Flannery worked
on the 747, while Sullivan worked on the 737.
Each student was heavily immersed in the supply
chain aspect of the production projects. Flannery
commented, "I work on the factory floor so I am
getting the ful experience of `hands-on.' I have
been involved with an initiative that wil com-
pletely change the organization." Sullivan noted,
"It's hard to describe how amazing this hands-on
experience has been. Working on the manufac-
turing floor of the 737 where 38 are produced per
month is quite the experience".
While Flannery and Sullivan are impressive
students, they are both fortunate to have the
strong support of MMA alumni employed at Boe-
ing: Christopher Fay `76, Minh Harriman `90,
and especial y Lauren Sakahara `11 who played
the instrumental role for the IBL students by
notifying faculty, providing interview and resume
tips, and maintaining the flow of communication
about the interview process. The co-op/internship
Interns Kyle Marshall `15, Andi Flannery `14, and Shane Sullivan `14 stand with MMA's Dean of
the Loeb-Sullivan School, Dr. Donald Maier (center), and Boeing Logistician Lauren Sakahara `12 (to
right of Dr. Maier)
mainemaritime.edu
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