AFAM: Hello Maeva, and thank you for agreeing to answer our questions. You have just completed your internship at Safran Nacelles in Indianapolis. Could you tell us more about your role ?
Maeva: I completed a three-month internship at Safran Nacelles in Indianapolis, at a site specializing in aircraft nacelle Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO). I joined the Continuous Improvement team, where my main responsibility was to analyze production processes, identify opportunities for improvement, and propose solutions to optimize quality, safety, and productivity. I worked on several ergonomic improvement projects aimed at reducing manual handling time while collaborating closely with the production, quality, and industrial engineering teams.
AFAM: What did you enjoy the most about your role at Safran Nacelles? What was the most challenging part for you ?
Maeva: What I enjoyed the most was the level of trust and autonomy I was given throughout my internship. I had the opportunity to work on real projects that had a tangible impact on the operators' daily work, which was very rewarding. I also learned a great deal by working alongside experienced colleagues in an international industrial environment.
The most challenging part was the different culture, and using English every day in a professional setting. However, this experience helped me become much more confident and significantly improve my professional English.
AFAM: Could you tell us a bit more about your life outside of work in Indianapolis? What did you enjoy doing ?
Maeva: Outside of work, I took the opportunity to explore the United States. During my internship, I visited Chicago, New York City, and Washington, D.C., which allowed me to experience different parts of the country. In Indianapolis, I enjoyed walking around downtown, trying local restaurants, attending a few sporting events, and spending time in the city's parks. It was also a great opportunity to meet new people and discover a different culture.
AFAM: What piece of advice would you give to students and apprentice students who are currently looking for an internship in the United States or would like to obtain one?
Maeva: My advice would be to go for it, even if moving abroad feels intimidating at first. It is an incredibly rewarding experience, both professionally and personally. Preparing well is important, especially by improving your English, but you should not be afraid to step outside your comfort zone. Living and working abroad helps you become more independent, adaptable, and open-minded. Those are the qualities that are highly valued by employers.
AFAM: thank you, Maeva!
Picture: courtesy of Maeva
BLOG / 
CALENDAR / 
DONATIONS / 
MENTORS /