EDIT: Now it appears GM says they are coming to the EXPO, but the U of I's site that lists the companies coming doesn't have GM... maybe they just don't know what table they're putting GM at yet.

This is a long ways away, but I might be able to get an internship for the summer... there are a lot of companies coming to the engineering job EXPO at U of I, but the only two automotive companies interested in freshman mechanical engineers (what I'm in) are Ford and Rolls-Royce. I think Rolls would be rather boring, so Ford would be my only chocie if I want an internship in the car business (of course there are like 93 companies interested in ME freshmen, so I could get something else, too). The interviews are the 11th-13th, and I got a suit and a couple shirts and ties already... basically I just need to update my resume.

So what does everyone think of an internship at Ford? Or do you guys think it'd be better to get something closer to home (assuming the Ford one is near/in Detroit)?

Also, does anyone have any suggestions for the interview that wouldn't have been covered when I did these "practice" interveiws in class in HS?

Im not sure about ford. Since from what i hear from inside Fords works its pretty scary.

Chrysler is looking for engineering interns at the moment too. Check daimlerchrysler.com or monster.com for careers at DaimlerChrysler.

Yeah, I definetly wouldn't want to have my long-term job be at Ford, but for the summer I think it might be okay.

griffon - didn't see your post before I posted, thanks. DCX isn't on the list of companies attending the EXPO at UI, but maybe I could interview with them somehow anyways if I don't get a job elsewhere.

Internship... at Ford?...

I dunno, but I get the feeling that your name is going to appear on some molestation claiment lawsuit form.

I'm going to edit the original post, but browsing GM's website it says that they are coming to the U of I for the EXPO... for whatever reason the people who set up the website listing the companies must have forgotten to put GM there.

This didnt register with me at first so I payed no attention to it. Sounds like great opportunities either way, good luck.

No particular advice for ya, Northstar ... just posting to say "GOOD LUCK" ... and keep us updated on this!

Cort, "Mr MC" / "Mr Road Trip", 32swm/pig valve/pacemaker

MC:family.IL.guide.future = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort/

Models.HO = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort/trainroom.html

"Beginning to think that I'm wasting time" ... Dobie Gray ... 'Drift Away'

any internship with such a storied company will be a plus on your resume.

considering you are a college freshman, and ford has been around for 100+ years or whatever, i would say the pecking order does not favor you.

i.e. unless you have multiple suitors, your status (i.e. college freshman) is right up there with burger flipper, small town stripper, and janitor at K mart.

moral-take any good opportunity like that that presents itself and say YES a lot and learn what you can. Wipe the bosses ass with golden tissues if that means you get a reference from him later on.

Besides, considering Ford's lack of resources, you might be doing all their engineering for them.

Edited September 5, 200619 yr by regfootball

Wipe the bosses ass with golden tissues if that means you get a reference from him later on.

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I have found this to be true throughout my co-op career. On thing that I have really noticed is that if you want to get ahead, make your boss look good. He knows whats going on around him.

I personally have interviewed for positions for both Ford and GM. I think that GM's program is better structured, and the bonuses of the job are better. Although I know that Ford isn't new in the auto industry, it seemed to me that their program wasn't in full stride yet. I dont really know how to explain it, but they just didn't seem like they knew what was going on compared to GM.