Summer internship, EIEM (Guillermo, Vilnius Tech)
This summer I had the opportunity to do my internship at Elkamet Kunststofftechnik, a company in Germany. I was an intern at the department of Elektronik und Sensorik (T-ES). Before and after my arrival the company was always welcoming and supportive in case I had a doubt, or needed to do any procedure.
The first week of my internship was introductory, Elkamet gave me a tour of all the areas of the company, and they explained to me the company´s organizational structure, policies, work culture, etc. Also, I met my workplace where I met my colleagues. That week my intern supervisor, Christian Adler, explained to me what I would do and what my task was going to be.
My task was to develop a prototype that reflects the daily work of the company area where I was working. This task must include three disciplines of study: Electronic engineering, Mechanical engineering, and software development. The task was to build from scratch a radio clock receiver. This clock should work with the DCF77 radio signal. This task allowed me to apply the knowledge I had acquired during my studies at VILNIUS TECH University. Also, I learned new software like Circuit Studio, Design Mechanical Spark, and Prusa Slicer. Also, the most important thing that I could learn was the planning and documentation of the project.
Elkamet is located in Biedenkopf, a town in Hessen. Was a challenge to get used to a small town, but I managed to do it. During the weekends I explored Germany, and I had a chance to visit friends and visit cities like Frankfurt, Marburg, Hannover, and Berlin.
Elkamet has a good atmosphere at work, it has a positive relationship with employees. Despite I was the only international student, my colleagues were very friendly and helpful when I needed to solve any doubt. I learned good practices from my experienced colleagues. The interactions with the surrender’s workers help me to understand how other cultures work and think.
In conclusion, the main goal of the task was completed. The goal of the training project was obtained. Over this period, I have acquired a comprehensive understanding of precise timekeeping systems and the critical role they play in various applications. Also, I applied electronics, programming, and mechanical skills in the same project. Working with the DCF77 signal not only allowed me to apply theoretical knowledge but also presented practical challenges, such as signal reception and synchronization issues, which I successfully addressed. Collaborating with experienced colleagues and mentors provided a supportive learning environment, helping me grow both as an engineer and a team player.
As I reflect on this internship, I am confident that the skills and knowledge I have gained will serve as a strong foundation for my future career in electronics and technology. I look forward to applying these experiences to contribute effectively to upcoming projects and further my professional development in the field, all while appreciating the invaluable lessons learned during this internship.
