Kushal Shah

What motivated you to apply for Co-op/Internship

The fact that I will be gaining exposure in my engineering field as well as gaining hands on experience was one of the main reasons behind applying for coop.

Can you describe your position in a few sentences?

I was fortunate enough to have seen the glass plant built from scratch. My duties initially  involved assisting in the assembly of the CNC machines and creating  CAD drawings for the necessary parts. Once the machines were all running, I performed the operation and programming of the machines. Necessary CAD drawing were created and imported into the CNC machines.

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

I did receive training to perform my duties. A technician from the US flew in and provided formal training for the operation and programming of the CNC machines. Apart from this, I had to undergo safety training.

What was your work atmosphere like? (flexibility, formality, team centric, supportive)

The work atmosphere was a perfect mix of professionalism and friendliness. The cooperation and transparency led to an increased productivity. The company's openness to new ideas made them stand apart from others. It was a supportive environment where everyone worked as a team.

What new skills were you able to learn/develop during your Co-op/Internship?

My experience with the CNC machines helped me gain hands-on experience with tools, helped nourish my problem solving skills, and I also learned how important it is to pay attention to detail. I was also able to enhance my CAD skills and my communication skills.

How did your experience compare with your expectations?

My experience turned out to be a lot better than my expectations, and this was all possible due to the amazing team I was working with. Their constant support and trust in me led me to continually improve and put in my best.

What was your proudest moment? 

My proudest moment would be when I was able to program every CNC machine in the glass plant. It gave me a sense of accomplishment.

What advice would you offer to current students thinking about pursuing Co-op/Internship?

You need a goal set in your mind, be ready to face every difficulty and always put in your best effort. This is the stepping stone to your career and will give you exposure to the engineering world.