Internship Story: Katie Arsenault at BIW

Katie Arsenault’s internship with Bath Iron Works gave her real-world experience. It has also helped shape her future as she decides what she wants to pursue as a career.

Why did you choose to be an intern at Bath Iron Works (BIW)?

My dad is a retiree from BIW. I was really excited to be able to go to work every day and be a part of building world-class Navy destroyers. I can see myself working here or for General Dynamics elsewhere after graduation. This internship is an opportunity for me to make sure it’s the right fit, and so far, it’s proven true.

What are your internship tasks?

As a Human Relations intern, my tasks include learning a lot about employee relations and sitting in on investigations and interviews. My favorite jobs are organizing and analyzing data for my manager. I’m completing a small group project with fellow interns for the VP of Operations. We are creating a new written process for electrical and ventilation temporary services on the ship.

What do you like most about your Bath Iron Works internship experience?

I am getting real-world experience. I’m networking daily and meeting new people who could play a significant role in my future career. I meet and interact with directors almost every week and have many interactions with the president of BIW. 

What are the biggest challenges you face as an intern?

Trying to soak up as much information as possible and get the most out of every day. It can be hard to get up to speed enough to be able to work on big projects in my department since I’m only here for the summer. 

What things are you learning during your internship that you couldn’t have learned in the classroom?

Something I would have never learned in the classroom is knowing what I want and do not want out of a career. There are some aspects of my BIW internship that excite me more than other parts, such as being out on the ship or working on data-based/technical projects, which I wouldn’t have realized otherwise. I’ve changed my plans to pursue a more technology-based job, including an MS in data science and engineering, rather than an MBA.

How will this internship experience at BIW help you as you move forward in your career?

I’ve made great connections within the company and through other interns. I know if I come back to BIW, my name will have meaning. 

Any advice to share with other MBS students considering an internship?

I absolutely recommend getting an internship. It will help you stand out from other college graduates if you already have some real career experience. I recommend finding a company you’d like to work with eventually. Find out what you value from a company.
 
Katie Arsenault, Class of 2023
Hometown: New Gloucester, Maine
Major: Management with Concentrations in Business Information Systems and International Business
Internship Title: Human Resources Intern