When aerospace engineering student Adam Varga secured his facilities engineer internship at this past summer, he knew he was stepping into a competitive field. What he didn't anticipate was just how transformative the experience would become.
PCC Airfoils manufactures complex, highly technical cast airfoils for major companies such as GE and Siemens, serving the commercial, military, and industrial turbine industries. Airfoils are components that move, direct, and regulate air in power generators. As a facilities engineer intern, Adam's role went far beyond observation. He designed and improved parts to enhance production efficiency and updated plant blueprints, gaining hands-on experience in every phase of the engineering process.
"The application of design for PCC Airfoil's products was a completely new experience," Adam reflects. "I went through the whole design process from initial drawings to ordering parts to actually building the items myself."
Adam's motivation was clear from the start: gain real-world experience in the aerospace industry. After meeting PCC Airfoils representatives at a career fair, he felt drawn to the opportunity. Landing the position felt like an accomplishment itself given how competitive internships in the field can be.
The internship delivered more than technical skills—it provided clarity. Working in a professional environment closely aligned with his field of study confirmed Adam's passion for research and design. "It was eye-opening," he says. "I realized I want to do more hands-on design work after graduation."
Like any worthwhile challenge, the internship came with obstacles. Adjusting to a new work environment and learning to navigate available resources required patience and adaptability. "Looking back, there are things I would approach differently now," Adam admits, "but those experiences taught me to be more confident and resourceful."
Adam also benefited from mentorship, learning directly from his facilities engineer and facilities manager. These connections gave him valuable insight into how different roles contribute to a project's success and deepened his understanding of the engineering process.
His favorite moment? "The day I received all the parts for a design I had created and then got to build it myself," Adam recalls with enthusiasm. "Being out on the floor, bringing my own design to life was incredibly rewarding."
For students considering similar paths, Adam offers straightforward advice: "Apply to as many places as you can because it is very competitive. Keep an open mind and make the most of every opportunity."
As Adam looks ahead, he plans to leverage his AutoCAD and design experience in his job search. "Having the opportunity to apply my designs in a real-world setting and actually build what I designed was invaluable," he says. "If I pursue a career in manufacturing, my time at PCC Airfoils has given me practical experience that will serve me well."
Adam's journey from classroom concepts to factory floor realities exemplifies what it means to Dare Mighty Things—taking on challenges, growing through adversity, and building the future, one design at a time.
Interested in learning more about internship opportunities and career preparation at the College of Aeronautics and Engineering? Contact Steven Nowinski, CAE's Career Services Coordinator, to discover how we support our students in finding meaningful, career-shaping experiences.
For more information about our Career Services and Professional Development visit www.kent.edu/cae/careerservices.