GE Aerospace career summit benefits Wright State electrical engineering student

Nathan McDowell, a senior majoring in electrical engineering at Wright State, accepted a job offer after attending a GE Aerospace career development program. (Photo by Erin Pence)

A Wright State University student was selected to participate in a competitive career advancement program offered by one of the nation’s leaders in aerospace.

Nathan McDowell, a senior majoring in electrical engineering, was one of 100 students chosen to attend the three-day summit in July at GE Aerospace’s Ohio headquarters in Cincinnati. McDowell said 1,000 students from universities and colleges nationwide applied for the program, designed to provide insights into the aerospace industry.

“A GE representative reached out to me on Handshake and shared information,” McDowell said. “It presents students from various majors an opportunity to gain experience more about GE and opportunities available in the industry.”

During the GE Aerospace L.I.F.T. Summit, which stands for Leaders Innovating Flight for Tomorrow, attendees networked with GE leaders and peers from across the country and received early interviews for internships and development programs.

McDowell’s background intrigued GE executives, who interviewed him for its Edison Engineering Development Program. The initiative is a two-year program that combines valuable industry experience in various roles within the company, mentorship from seasoned professionals and an opportunity to earn a master’s degree.

McDowell, who is expected to graduate from Wright State in December, accepted the position and will start in January.

“I’ll get to work in different sectors of the engineering community while gaining comprehensive experience,” he said. “You are learning about diverse aspects of the company early in your career, which can lead to leadership roles.”

The Versailles, Kentucky, native said the job offer capped off an enjoyable stay in the Queen City. GEO offered downtown lodging, invited participants to a Cincinnati Reds baseball game and provided access to leaders within the organization.

“We learned about GE’s culture and programs it offers,” McDowell said. “It was exciting to network with GE employees about their journey and meet students who had flown into Cincinnati for the Summit. There were students from Ivy League schools like Harvard and other well-known institutions such as Berkeley and Georgia Tech in attendance.

“I was proud to represent Wright State.”

McDowell plans to encourage fellow Wright State students to learn from similar experiences.

“GE representatives went out of their way to make us feel welcome and challenged us to get out of our comfort zone. They brought in employees from around the country and students who talked about specific programs they are in,” he said. “Any opportunity students have to network and develop job or internships opportunities while you are in school is beneficial. It is especially important for engineering students to receive direct knowledge and experience before graduation.”

McDowell has family in the Dayton area and says Wright State’s relationship with Wright-Patterson Air Force Base was an essential factor in his decision to attend Wright State.

“My family helped me get acclimated and I was able to fit in right away which was important. Wright State is affordable while also offering an excellent academic experience,” he said. “Also, there are so many career advancement opportunities, in addition to cultural events and activities here. Wright State University and the city of Dayton made for a great setting to receive my college education.”