Beyond the Classroom: Cameron Holston

Cameron Holston works with a variety of aircraft at the Aircraft Structural Test and Evaluation Center, part of the National Institute for Aviation Research. The experience prepares him for a career in the field of aerospace.

More than 5,000 Shockers each year take what they’ve learned in the classroom and transfer that knowledge into real-world environments. Applied learning — which is required for every Wichita State student — happens in offices, factories, laboratories, nonprofits, industries and companies across the globe. Students work side-by-side with seasoned professionals to ensure that they’re fully prepared to make meaningful contributions to their employers and their communities when they graduate.

Hometown

Helena, Montana

Major

Aerospace engineering

Year

Senior

What is your job title, the company you work for, and your duties during your applied learning experience?

I am working as an intern at NIAR (National Institute for Aviation Research), specifically at ASTEC (Aircraft Structural Test and Evaluation Center) in Park City. I maintain accountability of all aircraft pieces as they move throughout the facility, through a process that can range from six to 12 steps. From disassembly all the way to storage, I know where each specific piece is.

How long do you expect to work in your current position?

I started this internship on June 17 of 2021, and I plan to work until graduation.

How did you learn about this opportunity?

I learned about this opportunity through the ROTC Program at Wichita State

How is this experience helping you build your resume and prepare you for your career?

This internship has been a fantastic way to take my first steps in the larger aerospace industry by giving me real-world experience in an engineering position.

How have your classes and experiences at Wichita State prepared you to succeed in this applied-learning opportunity?

Classes in the aerospace department really helped me to prepare for this position. Because of classes like Structures and Fundamentals of Flight, I have a good indication of the purpose, name, and placement on the aircraft of any specific part I see.

What advice would you give other students who are looking for hands-on experiences in their major while they finish college?

Keep your eyes and options open and be patient. Opportunities will present themselves if you seek them out.