You've completed a manufacturing internship. How can you navigate diverse career options?

In 2003, during my time at uni, I explored every machine available across different departments—from mold injection to waterjet cutters, CNC machines, and even a 3D object scanner. I also volunteered as a TA, training others on how to use them, which gave me deeper insights into their practical applications. This experience allowed me to understand the strengths and limitations of each tech. Through this process, I identified the machines that intrigued me the most and focused on mastering them, often pushing their capabilities beyond limits. This approach shows the importance of honing in on what excites you within the manufacturing process and focus on developing that expertise, a key step to become proficient especially in manufacturing.

I remember my first experience watching the honeycomb milling stations at HAL, the challenges encountered and the methods of resolution. It was fascinating. That's also where I realised that I am good at designing out manufacturing problems; in short DFM. I ended up working in engineering design for the major part of my career. Now that you have completed your internship, you would have got a flavour for all aspects of manufacturing of a particular group of products. You would have also understood the gaps to be filled in your skillset to get to future roles you are aspiring for. What I would suggest is, as a start, choose a relevant role that you would enjoy over the next couple of years, and have a good plan to address the skill gaps.

As per my perspective, focusing on one skill is as important as having a basic knowledge of all skills. Manufacturing is interdependent on many roles and therefore having knowledge of all is fruitful.

After internship, it is always necessary to assess skills that were acquired against skills needed for the desired career path. This is a necessary re-evaluation that will allow the intern to seek more studies or practical experience. For example, during my intern program in a brewing industry, I realized I needed to improve my knowledge on pumps to be able to understand how to troubleshoot problems better since what I learnt mainly in school was how to design pumps and calculate pressure variations in ideal situations.

Every company will do things slightly different, and all of these skills are transferable. I recommend instead you research a company where you will fit in, and the culture matches your desired place of work. In manufacturing we believe that our work experience cannot be positive, and there's a false sense that manufacturing= mistreatment, ugly work environment, among other things. This is not the case, find the right company, and give them your best.

Research what makes you or what you want to achieve within yourself and then verify if this job is for you. Is this what you enjoy doing is this what drives you…. So look at you first before applying yourself to anything other than what you’re comfortable, capable and confident in doing. Remember the 3 C’s of your character and apply it to what they’re looking for not what you think you can do…..

Watching out for industry trends is super important. During the period of my intern, most industries were demanding graduates with purely mechanical or electrical degrees. However, I started noticing a trend in the field of mechatronics and I realized that for me as a mechanical engineering intern to succeed in my desired career path, I needed to acquire some skills related to instrumentation and control. I then invested some time to learn about this new trend and today I have a full battery of experience and knowledge in industrial automation with hands-on skills to troubleshooting various industrial devices such as electropneumatic valves, pneumatic pumps, variable speed drives and programmable logic controllers(PLC)

Networking is a slippery slope because some folks will sell you networking as opposed to compensating you properly. Some folks will tell you "come work for me, you'll gain a great experience, and the experience we give you is worth more than money", but a company that is a Great place to work will both pay you, and give you the networking experience you desire. Never undersell yourself.

Going for further education is never a bad choice. Pursuing higher education not only boosts chances of promotion but it also enhances confidence and understanding of concepts.

Setting goals was huge for me. When I started in my role in EHS, I didn't start with much of any safety knowledge. However, I found a job designed for growing safety professionals and set small goals to work towards to gain that experience and knowledge. They don't even have to be about knowledge but skills are just as important for instance how to talk to people and build a culture of trust and respect and gaining support of your team. Then building more complex and longer term goals as you go. One of the best pieces of advise I can give you is find a company where you can grow and not in a climb the ladder grow but grow yourself to be a better safety leader grow.

I totally agree with this statement. Manufacturing is broadly diversified and having a set goal is important. Depending on personal interests, one should always try and have clarity about their leaning towards a particular branch of manufacturing.