Dematic Co-Op: Final Rotation
Jillian
Experience Information
Employer: Dematic
Job Title: Mechanical Application Engineering Co-Op
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Received Credit: Yes
Paid: Yes
Abroad: No
Description of the Organization
Dematic is a material handling, logistics company. They design, develop, and deliver solutions that optimize supply chain companies, improve performance, and increase productivity. They are a global leader in the industry with manufacturing plants in the US, Europe, China and Australia. Almost any company imaginable, has Dematic technology behind the scenes in some way, shape, or form.
Description of the Tasks/Projects Completed
This semester I was given the amazing opportunity to go to Europe for 2 months of the semester. I was there to ensure install of two sites went smoothly and turn the distribution centers over to the customer. I went to both Milan, Italy and Lille, France. When I returned, I worked on wrapping up the projects from the engineering side and turning the projects over to customer service. The rest of the semester I devoted my time to working with engineers to start up a new distribution center in Maryland. I was offered a job with Dematic before I left for Europe, so I have been learning more of what I will be doing when I start full-time after graduation.
Skills/Knowledge Gained Through The Experience
I learned a lot about how international business works. Working with engineers and installers from multiple countries brought up many opportunities and challenges. It never occurred to me before how long it would take to get parts in Europe that normally we would just run to a nearby hardware store in the US. Also, as previously stated, I developed the skills I will need to perform my job as a full-time engineer at Dematic. This semester I was able to connect all the dots that I used to think of as separate entities before.
Favorite Part of the Experience
Needless to say my favorite part of this semester of co-op was going to Europe. I tripled the amount of countries I have been to in my life. I was able to climb the Alps, attend opening day of Oktoberfest, walk through castles in France, and so much more. All of that was able to happen while still working 10 hour days, 5+ days a week. I was able to network with people from all over Europe and the US. I recommend for everyone to strive for a work abroad opportunity.
How the Experience Influenced Future Career Goals
I have confirmed that Dematic is the place I want to spend my engineering career. I love the people I work with and the work we produce. It is not very often that engineers get to see their work from beginning to end, but at Dematic, the engineers get to have a hand in all steps of the project. It broadens your knowledge of the company and how you're work affects the rest of the system.