Amanuel Wondimu is a senior international student from Ethiopia. He transferred to
WSU from Hesston College and is majoring in mechanical engineering. In April 2017,
Wondimu won the Airbus Student Wing Display Competition and was recruited by NIAR
for their Applied Learning Program.
Throughout his time in this program, Wondimu received the opportunity to be trained
in software such as CATIA, a multi-platform software suite for computer-aided design,
manufacturing and engineering. After receiving this training, he landed an engineering
internship at Bombardier. His main focus now is as a mechanical systems intern, but
he also assists senior engineers in many different aspects of the job, including avionics,
landing gear, air systems, and fly-by-wire.
“Working with senior engineers has taught me how to approach real world problems,
think economically and work as a team. It was also helped me develop good communication
skills with engineers from many different backgrounds,” Wondimu stated.
As a transfer student, he found that this opportunity not only helped him acquire
work experience and additional training in his field, but also helped clarify his
path of study and what he wants to do after his bachelor’s degree is complete.
“This internship has given me solid direction and confidence in my major. I found
that focusing on mechanical engineering for my undergrad was the right choice for
me. I also now know that I want to continue following my love for airplanes by studying
aerospace engineering in my future graduate degree,” he said. “Having this type of
experience has increased my interest and energy to continue my field of study.”
Wondimu advises other students, especially fellow international students, to take
advantage of all of the opportunities Wichita State University offers Shockers throughout
their college journey.
“From my experience, it is very competitive and rare to have universities like WSU
– which deeply integrates with different industries and offers enormous opportunities
for students,” he boasts. “Be eager to learn and challenge yourself during such opportunities.
It’s never too late to go after what you want in life.”
Wichita State's applied learning program gives students hands-on, paid experience
with industry partners, helping them build careers before graduation.
For more information, contact theShocker Career Acceleratorat (316) 978-3688, SCA@wichita.edu, or visitwichita.edu/Career. You can also stop by in person at the Marcus Welcome Center, Suite 139, on the Wichita
State campus
