MADDIE TURNER

FUNCTION: Engineering

TEAM: AIT (V-280)

What about your experience at Engineering Boot Camp made you want to intern for Bell?

During Boot Camp, I got a glimpse into the life of an engineer at Bell – it was a fast-paced, innovative environment where creativity flourished – and I loved it. My week was jampacked with meetings, networking and work sessions where I got the chance to collaborate with current engineers at Bell. All the mentors took the time to get to know me, and they genuinely wanted me to succeed. They created a space where I felt free to share my ideas and ask questions. It showed me that Bell values its employees – they are not just a number in the company. After a week at Boot Camp, I knew I wanted to continue innovating at Bell as an intern.

What does a typical day look like for you? I start every day with a cup of coffee as I read through my emails and review notes from the previous day. At some point during the morning, my supervisor, Stan, will come to my desk to discuss what I’m doing for the day – or to impart some wisdom on me. Stan has worked at Bell for 19 years, so he has plenty of stories to share. During the day, I split my time between working on my projects, attending meetings and creating designs with my team. At lunch time, I like to get some fresh air, so I always eat outside in the employee courtyard with a group of my intern friends.

What has been your favorite experience at Bell?

I had the opportunity to attend a V-280 flight demo a few months back where I got to watch it fly and perform maneuvers. I have been working on parts of the V-280 all summer, so it was incredible to see it in action. It definitely made me even more motivated to put my best foot forward.

SPENCER PENNINGTON

FUNCTION: Information Technology

TEAM: Infrastructure

Given that this summer is your second internship with Bell, can you explain why you decided to come back?

I had an amazing experience during my first internship – there were endless opportunities to learn and I loved the people I worked with. My team treated me like a full-time employee and genuinely valued my input – so much so that they implemented a solution I proposed. I love working for Bell because we have been around for a long time and have made huge historical strides (like breaking the sound barrier). So, the fact that I got to make a meaningful contribution to a company like Bell, as an intern, was a surreal feeling. For me, returning to Bell for a second internship was a no-brainer.

What is your favorite part about working in IT?

I love that I get to work hands on with new technology that is shaping the future of Bell. We work with a lot of really cool, high-end equipment – I mean, our data center is an IT person’s dream. We are constantly innovating and applying new technologies to solve our business problems. Currently, we are developing technology that will redefine how we design aircraft and I have a front row seat to it all which is crazy to me; I feel so lucky to work here.

How would you describe the comradery between Bell interns?

Within IT, there are a whole bunch of interns and we all get along. We eat lunch together every day and have a lot of fun. My buddy, Mike, sits across from me and we get to work together a lot so we’re always joking around. I love working on projects with other interns because it gives us the opportunity to build close relationships with one another. And they are relationships that last -- I still keep in contact with one of my teammates from last summer.

CAROLINE TURNAGE

FUNCTION: Human Resources

TEAM: HR Business Partner

Can you describe your experience working at two different Bell locations?

Interning at two different Bell locations has brought me an immense amount of perspective. Last summer, I worked at our headquarters in Fort Worth where I learned how the organization is structured and where HR fits into the overall strategy of the business. This summer, I work at our site in Piney Flats where I have been able to learn more about our products. It has been extremely rewarding to see completed aircraft every day and meet the people who customize them. One of my favorite things about Bell has been the opportunity to work at multiple sites and expand my knowledge of the company.  

What does a typical day look like for you?

As an HR business partner intern, no two days look the same. In the morning, I immediately start up the coffee machine and my laptop (in that order). I catch up with my team and see if there are any shadowing opportunities for the week. Then, I double-check my calendar; I try to carve out five minutes or so before each meeting to go over my notes and prepare for the conversation ahead. I see the other interns in my building at lunch which is a nice time to relax and hang out a bit. For the rest of the day, I split my time between the various projects I am working on.

Can you describe one rewarding experience that you have taken away from your internship?

One of the most gratifying memories I have so far has to be the time I spent at orientation. It was a great welcome to Bell that offered both a serious and fun atmosphere. I got the chance to meet interns from other functions that I might not have met otherwise. Bell’s leaders came and taught the interns about our products and values which was very meaningful. Overall, I was left with the impression that Bell values its interns and everything we bring to the table. Orientation filled me with the motivation and energy I needed to take on my summer at Bell.

JASMINE TILLMAN

FUNCTION: Communications

TEAM: Public Affairs

What is it like being an intern at the AVLC (Advanced Vertical Lift Center) in Washington, DC?

Being an intern at the AVLC in Washington, D.C. is a very fun experience. Most of my time is spent working on various projects that align with my interests. Working at this location means I’ve been able to see and do a lot of cool things. For example, I joined a few tours of the experience center and I went to some events in D.C. Plus, the many dining options in the area are an added bonus. Even though I am the only intern at this location, being here is exciting. The team is very welcoming and has been great to work with. I’ve gotten to know everyone well and I feel like a valued part of the team.

What is something that surprised you about working at Bell?

I have been surprised at how passionate everyone is about what they are doing. Everyone I’ve met during my time here have so much knowledge and genuinely love the work they do. Being around people like that makes working here very exciting.

What has been your favorite experience at Bell?

While there are many for me to choose from, my favorite experience at Bell would definitely be flying in the V-280 Valor flight simulator. I had never done anything like that before and it was an unforgettable experience. I was amazed the entire time I was flying and it really made me appreciate everything that Bell does.