Degree Studying/Studied: Mechanical Engineering

Katie Gracie

Degree studying/studied: Mechanical Engineering

Current year of study: 4th year

Year of graduation/intend to graduate: 2012

Where did you do your internship?

I worked for 10 weeks with Strathclyde University’s Energy System Research Unit (ESRU) and a University of Strathclyde spin out company, Nautricity, in their offices in Glasgow and London on field work.

Why did you decide to do an internship?

For various reasons: to gain first-hand experience in undertaking fundamental engineering research; to experience engineering in the field that interests me; to experience practical, hands-on engineering; to establish a network of contacts; to enhance my understanding of engineering applications and to begin applying my engineering knowledge.

What did you enjoy about the internship?

I found that I enjoy research in general, especially the knowledge that you’re working on something new and real and potentially important. The aspects of practical research such as working within the deployment environment and experiencing first-hand the difficulties therein, working alongside people from different professional backgrounds and communicating the project to interested parties were features of my internship that I found informative and fun, difficult and accordingly rewarding.

Do you think the course you are studying has helped you to work in industry?

Yes, theoretical learning has allowed me to understand the principals behind what goes on in industry; the practical aspects of my course have allowed me to visualise what these principals pertain to in application.

Would you recommend an internship?

Absolutely, apart from the fact that an internship is more interesting than an average summer job it will give flavour to more theoretical studies, consolidate prior learning, deliver knowledge unavailable in the lecture theatre and provide an experience that can always be talked about in a CV or job application.

How do others get involved with an internship?

Approaching lecturers or university staff who work in your specific area of interest is a good idea. This way you will be able to find the right companies to apply to – or even, like I did, a supervisor for one of the university-based research internships. Speaking to students in later years of your course is a good idea too. You can also speak to the university careers service for advice on writing and developing your C.V. and applying for internships.

What are your plans for the future?

Now that I have experienced research through my internships, I would like to undertake a PhD researching marine renewables and, later, to work professionally in research and development of renewable energy technologies.

“The degree I am studying has helped me to understand how to problem solve effectively and how to work successfully in a team – both important skills for industry.”