When I started my summer as the Technical Support engineering intern at Indium Corporation, I expected to observe, take notes, and ease into the engineering world slowly. Instead, I was surprised by how quickly I was trusted with real responsibilities. For the first time, I wasn’t just learning engineering concepts—I was applying them in a professional setting. This post shares what my hands-on, technical support engineering internship experience was really like, from foundational tasks to designing real parts.
Building a Foundation in My Engineering Internship
In the early weeks, I spent a lot of my time on what seemed like basic tasks. My days involved taking inventory, reading material specifications, and reviewing standard operating procedures. At first, I wondered if this was just typical intern “busy work,” something to keep me occupied until I could begin my “real” work. But once I began designing and working on machines, I realized those early jobs were laying essential groundwork for my engineering internship.
From Inventory to Insight
Taking inventory helped me become familiar with the materials and test samples I would later use. It taught me where things were, how to read them, and what was usable for testing. This practical knowledge is something you can’t get from a textbook.
Understanding the “Why”
Reading documents and procedures gave me the context I needed to understand how and why we perform certain tests. I wasn’t just blindly following steps; I understood why each one was necessary. These seemingly small, routine jobs were essential for getting comfortable in the lab and preparing me for the bigger responsibilities of my technical support engineering internship.
Applying Technical Skills: A Hands-On Project
Soon, I had the chance to apply my technical knowledge in a more hands-on way. A successful technical support internship should bridge the gap between classroom theory and real-world application, and that’s exactly what my first project did.
One of my first design projects involved creating a holder for solder paste containers to be used in a centrifuge. The goal was to break down the solder paste for viscosity and tack testing, a process that helps evaluate its performance. This was a critical part of the lab’s process.
I designed the holder, considering the size, shape, and force it would be subjected to in the machine. After receiving feedback from my supervisor, I adjusted the model and finalized the design. Eventually, I saw the part get created and prepared for use in the lab. This was a big moment for me. It was the first time I saw my classroom learning applied in an industrial setting. After years of practicing computer-aided design (CAD) and design for school projects, I was now building something real that contributed to actual testing and results. This project was a highlight of my technical support engineering internship and showed me the tangible impact of my work.
More Than Technical Skills: Professional Development
Another thing I have valued most about this internship is how much learning is built into the experience. The opportunity for professional growth extended beyond my specific engineering tasks.
Every week, the company hosts a “Lunch ’n’ Learn” session where we cover topics like financial literacy, budgeting, presentation training, and time management. These soft skills are just as important as the technical ones, and I appreciate that Indium Corporation invests in helping interns grow beyond their specific field. A comprehensive internship prepares you for a career, not just a job.
Key Takeaways from My Internship Experience
This technical support engineering internship has taught me that even the smallest tasks matter. Everything I’ve done—from organizing shelves to designing parts—has helped me better understand the full scope of engineering work. Every moment has contributed to a summer full of learning, growth, and newfound confidence in my future as an engineer. For any student considering this path, an engineering internship is an invaluable opportunity to see your education come to life.
