Participating in an internship this summer at Indium Corporation, I was able to integrate the theoretical knowledge gained in school with the practical application of the industry. As we got a little past mid-point, there were three key insights that stood out to me in this journey.
1. A Flexible Work Environment MATTERS!
I have discovered (and very much enjoyed) the significant benefits of a flexible work environment. Without strict and rigid structures, the workstyle here allows me to receive helpful advice from my supervisor and manage my tasks in my own way. As I navigated through my primary project in ergonomic engineering, I was able to break the months-long project into smaller tasks, which makes it easier to track while reducing pressure. By focusing on smaller goals and manageable tasks, it became easier to maintain strong motivation and keep my supervisor up-to-date on my progress.
I am thankful for the freedom to explore different work methods and discover what worked best for me. Having the autonomy to set my own pace and approach to tasks has helped me become more responsible and a proactive problem solver.
2. Learn, Grow, Repeat!
Another key insight I gained from my internship is the importance of continuous learning and growth. Indium Corporation's workplace is dynamic, and there is always something new to learn. They offer various learning opportunities, such as weekly lunch-and-learn sessions, networking events, conversations with the executives, and more. The lunch-and-learns particularly brought many fun opportunities to engage with other interns and learn from current employees.
Working with colleagues from different departments also gave me a broader understanding of the industry and how different roles contribute to achieving common goals. This cross-disciplinary exposure has been invaluable in enhancing my communication, teamwork, and time management skills, which will be applicable in any positions I take on in the future. For example, conducting ergonomic assessments with factory workers gave me insight into how to effectively and clearly communicate theoretical information to people with different specialties.
3. Bridge That Gap!
The best part of my internship has been the opportunity to apply what I learned in school to real-life situations. While theoretical and academic knowledge usually applies in laboratory settings, the workplace presents practical challenges that require flexible solutions. At Indium Corporation, I have seen theories and concepts from my lectures play out in real scenarios, which presents unique perspectives and understanding of the subject matter.
As an aspiring engineer, this experience helped me realize the importance of using my knowledge to solve real-world problems. My biggest task was to apply my understanding of human factors and ergonomics to ensure worker safety and well-being in projects, which ultimately advocated for higher levels of a human-centered approach in engineering. Going above and beyond to apply what I learned in school to create real-life solutions in this aspect and seeing the impacts it makes on the company is rewarding, and I definitely enjoyed this unique opportunity to hone my critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
What Awaits…
As I look forward to the second half of my internship, I am excited to continue learning and gaining experience as well as creating valuable memories. I am confident that the skills and insights the internship has given me so far will go a long way to serve as a strong foundation for my future career. This experience has reinforced my passion for engineering and my commitment to using my skills to make a positive impact in the human-focused aspect of the industry.