National Intern Day: Three Textron Aviation employees share internship success stories

With a commitment to hiring, encouraging and supporting the next generation of the aviation workforce, Textron Aviation’s college and high school internship programs have proven to propel students forward. 

In celebration of National Intern Day, we asked three former interns — Heaven, Josh and Ramiro — a few questions about how their internship experience prepared them for a full-time career at Textron Aviation. 

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Heaven Cedeño, a first-generation college student, worked as an intern on the Communications team last summer supporting media relations for turboprop and piston aircraft. In January, she will celebrate one year of full-time employment as a Communications Associate for Cessna and Beechcraft turboprop products.

Tell us about your summer internship and how it propelled you to where you are now. 

My internship gave me more hands-on experience and valuable lessons than I ever could've imagined. It offered an excellent opportunity for me to apply what I learned from coursework in college to real-world projects in a corporate environment. I also applied the skills I practiced during my internship to my final courses leading up to graduation. My internship instilled confidence in my skills prior to my entering a full-time career, and it propelled me to start my career journey with a developed network.

Now that you have landed a full-time role, how is it going? 

It's been an amazing experience and I'm still learning every step of the way. While it can be scary to leave college and begin your career journey, the experience and network I gained during my internship made the transition much easier. I feel hopeful and look forward to the growth opportunities the company has to offer. 

What kind of support has the business provided to help you achieve your professional goals? 

Textron Aviation provides mentorship, training, seminars and an employee resource group for entry-level and early career professionals, among many other resources. I've received invaluable encouragement from my peers and leaders, and everyone highlights the importance of taking time to connect with others, embracing new opportunities and continuing to strive for self-growth.

What is one thing you would tell a prospective intern about Textron Aviation’s internship program? 

Textron Aviation offers a wide variety of internship opportunities, and you can pursue different positions each time you apply. Regardless of your college major or career goals — even if you don't have those defined yet — I highly recommend pursuing as many internship opportunities as possible. The experience helps develop valuable skills and make professional connections that will benefit you in the long run. 

What is your favorite product Textron Aviation manufactures and why? 

My favorite product is the Cessna SkyCourier. With two variants as well as configurations that enable the aircraft to access remote locations, it amazes me with its ability to support air freight, charter services and special mission operations across the world. I’m excited to see how this aircraft will continue to reach new global regions! 

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After beginning his career as a co-op intern in Product Research & Development, Josh Bell has since advanced to his current position as a Senior Engineer in the same department. His co-op internship began in March 2019 and continued through December of that year, and he officially joined the company full-time in 2020.

Tell us about your co-op internship and how it propelled you to where you are now. 

During my internship, I had the chance to work on a wide range of projects — from wireless charging systems to electromechanical controls. It’s rewarding to see some of those projects now entering production. What made the biggest impact on me was my team; they mentored me, gave me room to grow and always showed up with genuine support.

Now that you’ve landed a full-time role, how is it going? 

Landing a full-time role at Textron Aviation was a major milestone for me. Having a job offer in hand entering my final semester of college gave me confidence and peace of mind. I felt ready to take on the world. 

What kind of support has the business provided to help you achieve your professional goals? 

Textron Aviation supports its employees at every level. My team consistently encourages me to grow, whether through attending training and seminars or volunteering to build houses in the community through Habitat for Humanity. I’ve had plenty of opportunities to learn from others, share my own expertise and contribute to the business in a meaningful way.

What is one thing you would tell a prospective intern about Textron Aviation’s internship program? 

Textron Aviation’s internship program is an incredible way for young professionals to gain real-world experience and explore career paths. No matter your discipline, there’s something here for you — and you’d be surprised what doors open just by asking questions. 

What is your favorite product Textron Aviation manufactures and why? 

The Cessna 172 is my current favorite product. While it may be simple in many ways, it exudes heritage. It’s exciting to say that I get to include my work alongside generations of engineers who’ve helped generations of pilots' experience flight. Being part of that legacy — and helping inspire the journey of flight for future aviators — is something I’m genuinely proud of. 

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Ramiro was recently hired as a full-time sheet metal assembler following his successful completion of the high school internship program this summer. During his internship, he developed various skills that carried over well to his new role. Ramiro offers a unique, fresh perspective on the transition from intern to employee at Textron Aviation. 

Tell us about your high school internship and how it propelled you to where you are now. 

My internship taught me the basics of sheet metal assembly, introduced me to different people throughout the business and allowed me to experience what it would be like as a member of the Textron Aviation team.  

Now that you’ve landed a full-time role, how is it going?

This week is my first official week on the job in a full-time capacity. Even just four days in and going through entry training, it is clear to see Textron Aviation values its employees and the work we do.

What kind of support has the business provided to help you achieve your professional goals? 

The opportunity to work firsthand on a real shop floor as an intern was a game-changer for me. It allowed me to fully experience what it would be like as an employee before making my final decision on where I wanted to take my career. 

What is one thing you would tell a prospective intern about Textron Aviation’s internship program? 

In simplest terms, Textron Aviation offers great early career opportunities for high school students. I highly recommend students consider applying. 

What is your favorite product Textron Aviation manufactures and why? 

During my internship, I got to work on the beautiful Beechcraft King Air. After seeing it finished with a fresh paint job, I felt a sense of pride knowing I played a part in helping it take flight. 

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Textron Aviation takes pride in fostering a culture of mentorship, training and growth to set students up for success from the start. Visit txtav.com/careers to join our team and propel your aviation career to the next level.