E-7 Program Intern Collin Alexander after touring a Boeing defense modification facility in Tukwila, Wash, seen in front of a P-8.  (Photo by Pat Chiesa). 

Collin Alexander wanted to take off with Boeing—but he didn’t think he’d be flying on his first day.

An electrical engineering intern from Texas A&M University, Collin, who grew up in Issaquah, WA, is taking off into the world of aerospace engineering as part of the E-7 flight deck team.

Collin's experience at Boeing is already proving to be transformative. On his first day, he had the opportunity to sit in a flight simulator, where he was guided through the process of taxiing, taking off, cruising and landing by a Boeing pilot. "It was probably one of the coolest experiences I've ever done," he recalled.

His journey to Boeing is also a testament to the power of seizing opportunities and the exciting career launch that internships at Boeing can provide. While preparing for his final exams this spring, he received a notification about a Boeing event on campus. Despite having a job lined up in the oil and gas industry, Collin felt compelled to attend the event, driven by his lifelong connection to Boeing and the aerospace industry. "I grew up around Boeing, living in Issaquah. I've had a lot of friends and family work at Boeing," he shared. 

Although the gathering turned out to feature a Boeing guest speaker, instead of being a recruiting event as Alexander had thought, he embraced the moment, engaged with the presenters, and connected with Jonathan Cox, Boeing’s Fighters Mission Systems Hardware Senior Manager. This encounter led to an interview, and soon after, Collin found himself embarking on his internship.

Now, as he begins his work on the E-7 Program, Collin is working with an engineering team on the integration of a new radio altimeter for the aircraft. This project not only allows him to apply his academic knowledge but also challenges him to develop problem-solving skills that are crucial in the engineering field. "The fact that I have to go and figure everything out is really what I like about this," he explained, highlighting the hands-on learning that sets Boeing internships apart from traditional classroom experiences.

As he looks to the future, Collin is considering graduate school with a focus on analog and mixed-signal design and quantum computing. The skills he is developing at Boeing will be invaluable in achieving his long-term career goals. "I want to learn the skills so that I can help make an impact in my future career, maybe even here at Boeing,” he stated.

Collin's journey is an example of how internships at Boeing serve as powerful career launchers, providing students with the opportunity to learn, grow, and make meaningful contributions to the aerospace industry.

“As he continues his internship, we look forward to supporting Collin’s growth and seeing how he will soar to new heights in his career,” quipped Bryan Bozeman, E-7 Radar and Flight Deck Senior Engineering Manager, who leads Collin’s team.