Many engineering students look for internships and Co-Ops to gain valuable experience and boost their resumes. To make the most out of these opportunities, it’s crucial to focus on specific aspects that maximize learning and professional growth. In this blog, I will share my journey interning with Hallam-ICS, including my expectations, preparations, what I learned, as well as how this internship contributed to my academic and professional development.
Firstly, as a student looking for experience in the workforce, one must set priorities and determine what aspects of an internship are most important to them. Some things to consider include what it is that you are hoping to achieve: what experiences do you hope to gain, what do you hope to learn; what kind of work environment are you looking for: collaborative or individual, stationary or dynamic, and hands on or remote. Another thing to consider is the values of the company and if they align with your values. For example, some companies prioritize inclusion and diversity, some prioritize maximization and profit, others prioritize community service and outreach. It is crucial to set your priorities straight when looking for an internship so that you can truly get the most out of it. Now, let’s delve into what shaped my internship experience at Hallam[1]ICS
Goals and Expectations Prior to Hallam-ICS
Finishing up my second year in university studying mechanical engineering, I really had no idea what I wanted to do in the future or even what options I had. Thus, I kept my options open and applied to various internship positions. I did, however, want to gain versatile experience and skills that will help me in the future. Some of these skills include teamwork, critical thinking, communication, public speaking, professionalism, etc. as well as some technical skills such as drafting, design, technical knowledge, etc.
When I first discovered Hallam-ICS, I learned that the interns do in fact get to develop these skills but one thing that drew me in most is the care and humanity of the company, which was quite apparent to me through talking to employees as well as observing the company’s public presence. I took a deeper dive into the company’s values, and I saw three that deeply resonated with me: generosity, humanity, and love. I learned that Hallam-ICS invests in its employees’ wellbeing as well as gives back to the community through paid volunteering. The companies I applied for all had quite comparable opportunities for technical experience, however Hallam-ICS stood out to me because of this. It was apparent that Hallam-ICS has deep care for its employees and works to create a welcoming, inclusive, and comfortable environment, which is something that is very important to me in an internship.
Internship Takeaways
Throughout my time with Hallam-ICS I was busy with a variety of different tasks ranging from using computer aided design software to draft drawings in the disciplines of mechanical, electrical, and process engineering; to going to construction sites and conducting reviews. I got a chance to work on various projects and in between that I was able to further develop my professional skills and knowledge by reading and watching educational material.
I started my internship knowing little about the ins and outs of the business but through my time working on projects and simply being in the environment where my colleagues educate me about it, little by little I was able to have an understanding. All in all, I had quite an immersive experience, one thing in particular is being able to sit in on and observe a company-client meeting. I was able to experience how the business operates through collaboration, iteration, and generally consulting. Likewise going on site visits and observing the process Hallam-ICS designed or consulted on firsthand prospered my learning.
Some skills I was able to learn from my time at Hallam-ICS were drafting on programs Revit and AutoCAD, presentation and public speaking through creating a knowledge transfer presentation, communication, professionalism, and collaboration through working with my colleagues on projects, and lastly technical knowledge about HVAC systems, process piping, and electrical design. These skills and knowledge have helped me develop as a future engineer and student, forcing me to critically think through an engineering perspective.
Company Culture
As mentioned previously, setting priorities of what you would like to get out of an internship is crucial. Although technical knowledge and experience are important, the company culture is extremely important in making your time valuable. An encouraging and helpful environment perpetuates raw resources into learned and applied knowledge. The company culture of Hallam-ICS is just that, proving its care for the wellbeing of its employees. The office has an environment that fosters collaboration and friendship which in return boosts morale and increases productivity and quality of work. Something that I got to experience during my internship is Hallam Day, an event in which employees from across the nation got together and spent a day doing fun activities apart from work. This day was great for team bonding and relaxing and further proves the company’s deep care for the wellbeing of its employees. Such culture and atmosphere allowed me to prosper and channel in my efforts and my learning to truly make the best of my internship.
Conclusion
I would like to wrap up by saying that every internship is going to be unique just like every student looking to get one is going to have unique needs and priorities. Hence it is crucial to prepare by doing research and setting priorities prior to starting an internship. I am thankful for Hallam-ICS and everyone who shaped my internship experience and allowed me to learn and develop as an engineering student.
About the Author
Veranika Hryn is an engineering Co-Op intern in CT office. She works with both Mechanical and Electrical senior engineers in MEP consulting. She is a mechanical engineering aerospace student at the University of Connecticut.
About Hallam-ICS
Hallam-ICS is an engineering and automation company that designs MEP systems for facilities and plants, engineers control and automation solutions, and ensures safety and regulatory compliance through arc flash studies, commissioning, and validation. Our offices are located in Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York, Vermont and North Carolina and our projects take us world-wide.
