Catherine Hume is an undergraduate Mathematics student at Georgia State University with a concentration in Applied Mathematics. She interned at MOSIMTEC as a Simulation Consultant in the summer of 2019.
As a summer intern there is a lot to learn, but there is not a lot of time to learn it. Between learning the ins and outs of office life and mechanics of industry, one must adjust to a work rather than school environment. At MOSIMTEC this summer I was exposed to daily office life as well as both common and uncommon archetypes of problems solved. At MOSIMTEC no two problems are alike, not two solutions are alike; hence, I was exposed to many methods and practices for solving any problem that comes our way.
There is only so much that can be gleaned from the classroom. A good student does not equate to a good worker. Taking the information you learn in the classroom and actually applying it appropriately is the key. This summer I learned to take some of the skills I learned in the classroom and augment and shape them to fit working in a professional environment. I took my experience in group projects and used that to work with a variety of people in a variety of roles. I grew my experience in research by attempting to solve intricate problems with no explicit solution set; I had to trust and rely on myself to use what I know to make a logical conclusion. I developed my experience with written communication in translating technical ideas to non-technical and clear documentation.
More specifically, at MOSIMTEC I learned about the daily practices of industrial engineers and simulation consultants. I examined a production system for a popular fast food chain, gaining knowledge of techniques for controlling both WIP (Work-In-Progress) and throughput. This was important for the client so they did not over or under produce stock when unnecessary, saving them money. I quickly had to understand these methods, to understand the system already in place, then to find the best ways to balance improvements with feasibility. I also learnt how to use Geographic Information System (GIS) based software tools to improve routing of Emergency Management Services (EMS) teams through a US territory within a simulation model. I worked with a government agency to help prepare for emergencies, such as the hurricanes, ravaging through these places every year. Not only did I have to learn a completely new type of software rapidly, but I also made explored other options of using Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) and software code to gather extract more information regarding roads and networks. I assisted full-time employees with a data-driven project by writing code to conduct searches of user inputs and to report the errors found clearly and efficiently. Finally, I was exposed to and assisted in the marketing and presentation aspect of business, learning how to convince a potential client that they need not just a product, but a person and their skills. I not only had to dive into the topics at the forefront of modelling and simulation industry, but I had to make these new applications understandable to clientele.
The collection of skills that I learned not only specifically within the modelling and simulation industry but also within a workplace has been gratifying, interesting, and inspiring. I learned how to adapt to a completely new area, integrating with a new community by becoming involved with it. I learned how to manage time working and commuting, while making sure I looked after myself. Working at MOSIMTEC as a summer intern, I was treated with dignity and respect. I was shown new practices in a way that affected complete understanding, but I was also allowed to add my own creativity and personality to my projects. This has been the experience of a lifetime, and I hope I can continue working with such a compelling group of people!