My Journey into Applications Engineering
In the summer of 2024, I completed an internship in environmental health and safety (EHS) at Indium Corporation, where I spent most of my time in an office setting. My role focused on supporting safety programs, maintaining documentation, and assisting with compliance initiatives across the organization. It was an experience that helped me understand the importance of structure, policy, and workplace responsibility.
When I returned to Indium Corporation this year for the Summer 2025 Internship, I transitioned into an applications engineering role. This internship has challenged me in new ways and allowed me to develop both technical and analytical skills through a balance of research and data analysis.
The shift between these two internships has marked a significant step in my personal and professional development. While both positions required attention to detail and a structured approach to problem-solving, the nature of the work, the expectations, and the skills involved have been quite different.
The EHS Experience: Building Awareness and Accountability
During my time as an EHS intern, I gained a deeper understanding of how companies manage risk and promote a culture of safety. My responsibilities included updating safety documentation, reviewing training materials, helping with internal audits, and observing daily operations to identify potential hazards. I learned how regulatory standards, such as those from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), are applied in real-world settings. It also showed me how important it is to maintain compliance not only for legal reasons but also to protect employee well-being.
Much of my time was spent at a desk, working through checklists, preparing reports, or compiling data for safety meetings. While the work was largely procedural, it required consistent communication with different departments, a firm grasp of policy, and strong organizational skills. I also had the chance to walk the plant floor, where I observed the importance of maintaining safe practices in high-risk environments. Although my role did not involve technical engineering tasks, it gave me insight into how a well-functioning organization operates at the intersection of health, safety, and efficiency.
Moving into Engineering: A More Technical Role
This summer, I took on a new role as an applications engineering intern. The structure of this position is different from EHS in several ways. Instead of focusing on compliance and operations, my responsibilities are centered on product performance, technical research, and applied analysis. I now split my time between researching product applications and conducting data-driven evaluations to support engineering decisions.
The research side of my role often involves studying technical documentation, reviewing material properties, and understanding how specific products are used in different contexts. This work requires the ability to read and interpret engineering specifications, analyze customer requirements, and stay current on industry standards. It is a more technical and in-depth process compared to my previous internship.
Once research is completed, I move into the analysis phase—examining performance data, comparing results, and providing recommendations based on my findings. This involves working with simulation tools, analyzing test results, and organizing information to support product development or improvement. Unlike the more routine nature of EHS work, engineering projects often require ongoing iteration and problem-solving.
Comparing Work Environments and Expectations
One of the most noticeable differences between these two Indium Corporation internships is the work environment. In EHS, most of my work was done in an office setting with clearly defined tasks. There was a strong emphasis on consistency, accuracy, and adherence to established guidelines. It was important to follow procedures closely and communicate clearly with other teams.
In my current role, the work is more varied and involves more hands-on technical tasks. While I still spend time in the office, I am also involved in lab testing, project meetings, and data review sessions. Engineering work often involves more open-ended problems, where the goal is to explore solutions rather than apply a fixed rule. This has encouraged me to think critically and approach challenges with a more analytical mindset.
Carrying Forward Lessons from EHS
Although the two roles are different, many of the skills I developed in my EHS internship have carried over into engineering. For example, my experience with documentation and compliance helped me become more detail-oriented and process-aware—skills that are equally important when managing engineering data or writing technical reports.
My previous EHS internship experience helped me become comfortable communicating across teams, asking questions when needed, and managing multiple tasks simultaneously. These soft skills are valuable in any technical setting, especially when presenting findings or coordinating efforts between departments. My background in EHS gave me a strong foundation for maintaining professionalism and being thorough in my work.
Personal Growth and Reflection
The transition into a more technical and research-focused role has not been without its challenges. At times, I need to review concepts or learn new tools to meet the job’s expectations. I have also had to become more comfortable with uncertainty, as engineering often requires trial and error before concluding.
However, these challenges have helped me grow significantly. I now feel more confident in my ability to analyze technical information, contribute to engineering projects, and adapt to new learning opportunities. This internship has confirmed my interest in pursuing a career that involves hands-on problem-solving and technical research.
Looking Ahead
Both of my Indium Corporation internship experiences have shaped my perspective on what it means to work in a professional and technical environment. My time in EHS taught me the value of structure, consistency, and responsibility. Working in applications engineering has introduced me to technical design, analysis, and innovation. Together, they have provided a well-rounded understanding of how different functions contribute to a company’s success.
As I continue to explore my career path, I know that having experience in both operational safety and engineering design will serve me well. Each of my Indium Corporation internship roles have provided unique insights and helped me build a diverse skill set that I can apply in future opportunities.
