Major: Mechanical Engineering – Company: Switchback Medical – Location of Internship: Brooklyn Park, MN – Internship Title: Engineering Intern
- Why did you choose the company that you work for?
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I chose Switchback Medical for my internship because they are a company that develops medical devices, which is the industry I want to pursue after graduating NDSU.
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- What were some of the requirements for your internship?
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As an intern, my day usually consists of designing and building fixtures, creating and executing test methods, using CAD, 3D printing, and collecting data for equipment and device testing. I have also had the opportunity to sit in on my project’s weekly meetings with the head engineers on my project.
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- What is your favorite part about your internship experience?
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My favorite part about my internship so far has been the connections I’ve made while working here. I have learned a lot about the medical device industry from the other engineers, technicians, and interns at Switchback. With my internship, I worked during the summer and took the fall semester off of school to work full time. I have enjoyed doing this as it has taught me what my job could possibly look like after college.
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- What is the most challenging part of your internship? How have you overcome these obstacles?
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The most challenging part about my internship has been learning the proper paperwork and procedures for things. The medical device industry is very regulated when it comes to keeping track of what you have been doing, so the amount of paperwork that comes with every day tasks has been extensive.
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- How did you find your internship?
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Through a personal connection
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- Why was it beneficial for you to register for credit(s) through the Internship Program offered through the Career and Advising Center?
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For me, the most beneficial part about registering internship credit with NDSU is since I am taking the fall semester off of school for the internship, registering for credit allows me to stay a full time student. I wanted to have the chance to take an internship while I was still a student because I wanted to figure out what kind of job I would be looking for after I graduate. NDSU offering credit through their internship program allowed me to do this, while earning credit with the school.
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- What advice would you give a student who is in the process of applying for an internship?
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My advice to students looking for an internship would be if you have the chance to gain experience at an internship that interests you, you need to take that opportunity. What I’ve learned at my internship is completely different from anything I’ve learned at school. Having an internship allows you to have a more hands on experience, while giving you the opportunity to learn and interact with other people in your industry.
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