- What were your expectations about your internship before you joined?
Before joining JHA, I expected the internship to be an extension of my university studies, where I would apply the technical knowledge, I had developed throughout my Mechanical Engineering degree to real-world problems. I anticipated learning new software, developing my engineering skills, and gaining practical experience that would prepare me for a graduate role. I also expected to work alongside experienced engineers who could guide my development and help me understand how engineering concepts are applied in industry.
- What was the reality? How was it different from your expectations?
Although these expectations were partly accurate, the reality was quite different from university. At university, assignments generally have clearly defined requirements, deadlines, and assessment criteria. In the workplace, I discovered that engineering involves adapting to different working styles, understanding professional expectations, and learning how to contribute effectively within an established team. Each engineer brought their own experience, knowledge, and approach to solving problems. I quickly realised that succeeding in this environment required more than technical ability; it required initiative, adaptability, and a willingness to learn from everyone around me.
- What lessons were the most important from your internship. Why were they important?
One of the most important lessons I learned was the value of being adaptable and approaching every situation with an open mind. Different supervisors and colleagues have different expectations and ways of working, so being able to observe, listen, ask questions, and adjust my approach is essential. This was particularly important as an intern, where I was still developing my technical knowledge and professional confidence. I also learned that becoming a capable engineer is a continuous process. Rather than expecting to know everything, I needed to recognise what I did not know and actively seek opportunities to improve. These lessons have helped me understand the importance of humility, communication, and lifelong learning in a professional engineering environment.
- After your workplace experience, what would you say your value proposition would be to an employer? How can you demonstrate this?
Following my experience at JHA, I believe my greatest strengths are my willingness to learn, strong work ethic, adaptability, and ability to collaborate with others. As a Mechanical Engineering student with a passion for automotive engineering, I bring enthusiasm for technical problem-solving alongside a genuine desire to develop my capabilities. My university projects, particularly my capstone aircraft design project, have demonstrated my ability to work through challenges, collaborate within a team, and persevere when plans need to change. Combined with my workplace experience at JHA, these qualities demonstrate that I am prepared to learn from experienced engineers, take feedback constructively, and contribute positively to a professional team.
- How did your internship influence the type of role in which you are interested?
My internship reinforced my desire to pursue a technical engineering career, particularly within the automotive industry. It showed me that I want to work in an environment where I can continuously develop my technical skills, collaborate with experienced professionals, and contribute to the design and development of real-world solutions. I am particularly interested in opportunities within the European and Asian automotive markets, where I hope to contribute to innovative, high-performance vehicle engineering. Ultimately, my experience at JHA has helped me recognise that becoming a successful engineer requires not only technical knowledge but also the adaptability, curiosity, and determination to keep improving.
