ODU Brooks Crossing Innovation Lab Internship Summary
My internship at the ODU Brooks Crossing Innovation Lab was a valuable hands-on experience that helped me grow both personally and professionally. I chose this internship because it was the first opportunity I was accepted into after applying to many competitive positions, and I knew gaining real-world experience was important for building my career. As a Makerspace Technician, I worked with a variety of digital fabrication tools and technologies, including 3D printers, laser cutters, vinyl cutters, heat presses, and other equipment. I assisted with maintaining machines, helping community members complete creative projects, and supporting workshops and events held at the lab.
Throughout the internship, I had the opportunity to work with diverse groups such as families, students, and community organizations. I helped guide participants through hands-on projects while ensuring the equipment was used safely and properly. The experience also allowed me to apply my creativity by designing and producing items such as coasters, shirts, stickers, and 3D printed objects.
In addition to developing technical skills, I strengthened important professional skills such as communication, teaching, problem-solving, and patience. While the internship was not directly focused on cybersecurity, it still provided valuable experience with troubleshooting technology, managing equipment, and working with others in a collaborative environment.
Overall, the internship helped me gain confidence, expand my technical knowledge, and develop stronger interpersonal skills. It also gave me practical experience that will strengthen my resume and better prepare me for future opportunities in my career.
First 50 Hours of my Internship
During the first part of my internship at Old Dominion University’s Brooks Crossing Innovation Lab, I began learning how to use and maintain various Makerspace technologies such as 3D printers, laser cutters, vinyl cutters, heat presses, and DTG printers. I also started helping community members learn how to use the equipment and contributed to creating tutorials and programs for the iLab website. In my first weeks, I gained hands-on experience by creating projects like a personalized 3D printed keychain, a pencil case with a DTG design, and a lantern made with the laser printer, while also assisting with a family workshop.
100 Hours of Interning
Reflecting on my first 100 hours at the Brooks Crossing Innovation Lab, I gained valuable hands-on experience working with different groups and helping them create projects using Makerspace technology. I assisted adults with turning their drawings into laser-cut keychains, helped families transform photos into wooden puzzles using design software, a UV printer, and a laser cutter, and supported a sixth-grade class in designing and creating phone holders. I also completed personal projects like laser-cut coasters and custom stickers with the Cricut machine, further developing my creativity and technical skills.
150 Hours of my Internship
Reflecting on my first 150 hours at the Brooks Crossing Innovation Lab, I continued developing both my technical and interpersonal skills. I gained more hands-on experience with the Makerspace equipment while helping others complete their creative projects. Some highlights included 3D printing a vinyl holder and an ODU pumpkin, assisting someone with a sewing project by staying patient and supportive, and producing 30 hats for volunteers at a STEM event. I also learned new techniques such as staining wood for coasters, creating more stickers, and using the Cricut drawing feature, which further expanded my creativity and problem-solving skills.
