GEM-SET: Mentors: MMoenssens

GEM-SET : Girls' E-Mentoring Program : Science | Engineering | Technology

Currently I am a CGIT (College Graduate in Training) at General Motors in Pontiac, Michigan. What that means, is that I am in a rotational program where every two to three months I move to a different part of the company. This rotation process helps me to both understand what the different organizational roles are what organization interests me the most. I started working for General Motors in June 2000; departments I have worked in include:
1. I worked at the Moraine Assembly Plant on the installation and start up of the plant for the new TrailBlazers, Bravadas and Envoys that are on the road today. I really like knowing that I played an integral part in those vehicles getting on the road.
2. I worked with body panels to ensure the stamping process of the metal was accurate.
3. A business-related position. I did a lot with production numbers, option penetrations and many other tasks.
4. I went through a software-training course and then worked on the design of truck frames.
5. I worked with team members on future products as well as current product that were having assembly problems.
6. I am working on issues that can improve the overall quality and JD Powers scores for Saturn. I am using a method that is used strictly for problem solving. As you can see, I have a broad background. I have decided that I am going to go into Manufacturing Engineering when my rotations are done. A main reason for this is because I like the action of the assembly plant versus sitting at a desk in an office building.
I went to West Virginia University from 1996-2000. While I was there I got a BS in Mechanical Engineering. I had the opportunity to get involved with many projects while I was there. I worked with three professors on the design of a new wheelchair system that uses the back muscles more than the arm muscles. I also worked on a project called Future Truck. For Future Truck we turned a stock Chevrolet Suburban into a Hybrid-Electric Vehicle and competed it against other schools. For that project, I was the High Voltage team leader, which means that I was in charge of the battery system. My school tied for first place at the competition. Currently, I am attending Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) via distance education for a Masters in Engineering Science. What distance education means is that most of my classes are through videotape or the Internet because RPI is in New York and I am in Michigan. I started my Masters in Spring 2001 and will complete it December 2002.
The most exciting part of my career is when I get to be involved with future products. I like to know that I contributed to getting a vehicle on the road. It's glorifying when you see something that you designed, installed or changed driving beside you on the road.
The toughest barriers I have had to overcome are probably:
1. Getting the job at General Motors. GM doesn't recruit at West Virginia University, so my resume was submitted through my senior project, Future Truck and my resume was picked out of the book for an interview. I have always wanted to work in the automotive industry and it was a dream come true!!
2. Rotating so often. It's hard to change groups so often because sometimes you are leaving just when the project is getting big or you come into a group and it takes a little while to adjust to the change from the last group.