Indium Blog

An Average Day in R&D

Category:
  • 2017 College Interns
  • Some people say there are only two certainties in life: death and taxes. I agree, but I’m adding a third; the alarm clock. Rain, sun, or snow its tone will always go off at least an hour earlier then you would like. Beep-beep, beep-beep. On the average day, I wake up to my alarm around 6:45am. I get ready quickly, and do my best to be out the door promptly. During the drive, it’s always fun to wonder what I’ll be doing that day. It varies so much that I never really know what to expect, but I like that. Drinking a cup of mint tea, sweetened with some homemade honey (thanks Beekeeper Derek), helps me wake up and get ready.

    Normally, by this time I’ll know what the plan is. It can range from dispensing solder paste, to reflowing, to testing; pretty much anything that could possibly be done that relates to solder is on the table. If I’m not snatched away to do one of the many things that R&D needs, I get to work on my own project. These are the best days. Don’t get me wrong, working with all the great technicians and researchers within the R&D department is fantastic, and I enjoy those days just as much. But, there is something about getting to work on my own thing. Something I designed and ran. Seeing the results and how they help with a problem facing Indium Corporation is incredibly fulfilling. Most days I’m working right up to the bell. But, occasionally I finish early, and get to go catch up on emails, or do my best to write a blog. And then its home for the day (normally this means a nap as soon as I get back). I greatly appreciate all of the people who make every day here hold something new and exciting. Every day has been a chance to learn and I hope to keep learning all the way up to the end.

    Thanks,

    JJ