Jaykumar Patel

What motivated you to apply for a co-op/internship?

Co-op jobs will help me to gain deeper, real-world work experience and will help me make more connections during my employment term.

Can you describe your position in a few sentences?

Creating solid models and drawings of existing, new or custom products (Solidworks and Solidedge). Support marketing department by providing detailed designs and system drawings. Implementing new processes/parts/assemblies into production.

Did you receive training to perform your engineering duties? Please explain.

Yes, I received training in both solid edge and solid works. My supervisors guided me step by step through the processes of the company. Starting with designing, getting the quotation of the products and releasing it to the production.

What was your work atmosphere like? 

I really like the work atmosphere of the company where I can work with flexibility and everyone is a helping hand. My supervisors are great resources and are always willing to help when I have an issue. Everyone has their own desk which is nice and it is often quiet to do work peacefully.

What new skills were you able to learn/develop during your co-op/internship?

I have improved my designing and drafting skills and also improved my project management skills. The internship has helped me to push my limits towards the work and projects to develop my project management skills as well as teamwork.

How did your experience compare with your expectations?

My experience with the company is that I have grown professionally and personally during the work term. The projects I have worked on are different compared to my expectation and school environment. I have learned more about real-world work life and the experience has been great so far.

What was your proudest moment?

My proudest moment during the work term is that I have helped my superior in building new projects from scratch and helped in providing the necessary steps while building the products and implementing them in the market.

What advice would you offer to students thinking about pursuing co-op or internship?

Apart from university academic studies, students should develop the skills and personal attributes which employers are looking for. Research about the companies out there, what are the requirement and what skills they want. University is helping and encouraging you to apply for coop and internship, utilize the resources and get yourself a good coop or internship placement before graduating.