Brian Montes gained experience in manufacturing operations, communication, organization, and remote collaboration while contributing ideas to the company.
How did you get your internship?
I got my internship through Chicago Precision Manufacturing through my network; it is where my dad works as one of the owners and purchasing managers. Even though I already knew about the company growing up, I never fully understood everything that went into running a manufacturing business until this internship. Since I was finishing school in Arizona while the company is located in Illinois, the internship became an opportunity for me to contribute remotely while still learning about the operations of the business. I wanted real-world experience before graduating, especially in areas like operations, communication, organization, and manufacturing processes. The internship gave me the chance to see both the business and production side of the company while also contributing ideas of my own.
Why did you choose this internship?
I chose this internship because I wanted experience in a real business environment before graduating. I was interested in learning more about manufacturing, operations, and how companies stay organized and efficient behind the scenes. Since I'm interested in pursuing a career related to operations or supply chain management, I felt this internship would give me experience that would connect to my future goals. I also liked that I could contribute remotely while balancing school responsibilities. It allowed me to learn while still being flexible with my schedule.
What kind of work did you do throughout your internship experience?
Throughout my internship I helped with inventory tracking and organization using Excel while also learning more about the company's manufacturing workflow and day-to-day operations. One of the main projects I worked on was creating ideas for redesigning the company's front-page website to help improve how the business presents itself online. Since the internship was remote, communication, time management, and staying organized were important parts of the experience. The internship allowed me to better understand how different parts of the company work together and operate professionally.
What new skills did you develop in this internship?
During this internship, I improved my communication, organization, and problem-solving skills. Since I worked remotely, I learned how important accountability and clear communication are in a professional environment. I also gained more experience using Excel for inventory-related tasks and became more familiar with manufacturing operations and workflow processes. Another skill I developed was adaptability because I had to balance internship responsibilities with school while learning new systems and tasks.
What was your favorite or most satisfying part of your internship?
My favorite part of the internship was being able to contribute ideas and feel involved in the company. I especially enjoyed working on ideas for the company's website because it allowed me to be creative while also thinking professionally about how a business presents itself online. It was meaningful to me because I felt like my ideas and contributions were valued instead of just observing from the sidelines.
How has your internship experience influenced your plans for your future?
This internship helped confirm my interest in pursuing a career related to operations, supply chain management, or business operations after graduation. Before this experience, I understood these careers mostly from the outside, but the internship gave me a better understanding of the day-to-day responsibilities and communication involved.