Stepping Outside My Comfort Zone
Traveling more than 3,000 miles to live and work in another country is the most daunting thing I’ve ever done. Luckily, I came to work for Indium Corporation. Everyone I’ve met here has been friendly, welcoming, and helpful. “The Indium Way” isn’t just a slogan—it truly reflects the company’s values, and working here has been a pleasure because of it. In this blog post, I’ll share my experience as an R&D intern and how “The Indium Way” has personally benefited me.
My Journey with Indium Corporation
My involvement with Indium Corporation began six years ago when I was still in school. I worked at their solder paste factory in the United Kingdom for two weeks as part of a work experience program. I toured the factory and its various departments and learned a lot about the career paths available in the industry. It was then that I became interested in the company’s products. Three years later, I had a job as a packing operator in the factory. While working there, I noticed the extensive quality checks and the high standards Indium Corporation holds for all of its products. I also learned more about the production line and how the company meets customer demands.
Even with that experience, I left with more questions than answers. How is the “recipe” for solder paste decided? How is a new product developed? How are existing pastes modified to deliver new properties? So, when I saw that a summer internship in R&D was available in the United States, I knew I had to apply. I was thrilled when I got the offer.
My Role as an R&D Intern
Interns at Indium Corporation don’t just run errands or make coffee; we are given challenging, meaningful work. I’ve been trained to use a range of machines and equipment. In my day-to-day work, I spend time mixing and testing solder paste to measure its viscosity, tackiness, solubility, and slumping, which is whether the paste deposits move or expand over time. I also test other properties, including printing and reflow performance, using surface mount technology machinery to place electrical components onto circuit boards.
We are treated with the same respect as permanent employees. My R&D work is highly confidential, and there are even some details I’m not allowed to know because Indium Corporation is an industry leader in cutting-edge solder materials. That makes the work I’m doing feel even more significant. I’m contributing to research specifically designed for use in high-end electronics. Indium Corporation does a great job of making interns feel valued by giving them valuable work.
Training and Support
All of this might seem intimidating at first, but Indium Corporation provides extensive training and safety protocols for every process. I spent my first week being trained on the equipment and was supervised the first few times I used it. Once I had practiced and taken notes, I was ready to operate on my own. My manager was incredibly supportive—always available to answer questions or talk through concerns—but he also encouraged me to push beyond my comfort zone.
What I found most reassuring was how often I was told it’s more important to do something properly than to do it quickly. That mindset allowed me to take my time, especially in the beginning, and follow each procedure thoroughly. As a result, I was able to get up to speed quickly and contribute meaningfully to the research.
Developing Analytical Skills
In addition to hands-on testing, I’ve been taught how to analyze the data. Understanding the results I collect and how they influence the next paste formulation has been especially interesting. It’s also a valuable experience for me, as someone aiming for a future career in R&D. Seeing raw data and interpreting its performance implications is a skill I’ve been eager to develop, and this internship is giving me the chance to strengthen it.
Compared to experiments I’ve done during my undergraduate studies, the project I’m working on here is much longer and doesn’t have a predetermined outcome. This brings a few interesting differences. For example, changing a paste formulation based on the previous round of analysis is a perfect example of how R&D functions in a business, which is very different from simply following a lab manual. Working this way has given me far more insight into the research process than a university lab could provide.
Beyond the Lab: Building Connections
Outside of my specific role, the internship program also includes weekly “Lunch n’ Learn” workshops. All the interns gather to eat lunch and listen to presentations, Q&As, or workshops led by Indium Corporation departments and executives. These sessions are an amazing chance to learn from experts outside our immediate teams. The knowledge I’ve gained has broadened my professional skills and helped me become a more well-rounded employee. It has also been a fun opportunity to socialize and connect with other interns.
Reflecting on My Internship Experience
This internship has given me deeper insight into the electrochemical industry than I ever expected. I’ve gained hands-on experience in a specialized R&D lab and grown more comfortable in a professional environment. I’ve improved my technical and presentation skills and gained confidence in shaping my future career path.
I would encourage anyone to apply for an internship at Indium Corporation. And if you’re successful in getting the position, make the most of it.
