What does a design engineer actually do?

Who are you and how did you hear about Elephant Brakes?

My name is Alexander Bannert and I study general mechanical engineering at Hanover University of Applied Sciences and Arts.
 

Elephant Brakes came to my attention more by chance than anything else. I got in contact with Mr. Schröder and we got to talking about where he works. He briefly explained to me that he is the head of development and construction here at Elephant Brakes and in which sector the company is active. Since I was looking for a job for my practical phase at the time, I asked him directly if the company also offered practical training positions, whereupon he gave me his card and said that I could simply apply. I did so shortly afterwards and was invited directly to the interview.

Were you excited on your first day?

No, not excited. I would rather say curious. Curious about what tasks await me and what my colleagues are like.

How did you imagine your internship and everyday working life, what did you want to learn?

Before the practical phase began, I agreed on a project with Mr. Schröder under which the internship would take place, so it was already clear to me what tasks I could expect. My project work deals with electromagnetic brakes.
 
During my studies, it quickly became clear to me that I wanted to work in the field of construction. That's why my goal here at Elephant Brakes was to get to know the everyday life of a design engineer and to gain my first experiences there and learn one or two things that are difficult to convey in my studies.

What would you like to pass on to future interns?

It is worthwhile for longer internships in the field of construction to have your own project. It gives the whole thing a clear framework and practises working independently and on your own responsibility. You should not be deterred by minor or major setbacks.

What will be particularly memorable for you?

What I will definitely learned from my time here is how big the difference between theory and practice can be. The wide-ranging course content of the degree programme covers many disciplines, so that entry as an engineer is possible in almost every industry, but in the end it can't cover everything. Here in practice, I was able to learn even more.

What will you do after your internship?

After the practical phase, I will write my Bachelor's thesis here at the company. And maybe after that I will have the opportunity to start a career here.