IPM Co-Op I
Gavin
Experience Information
Employer: Integrated Packaging Machinery
Job Title: Mechanical Engineering Co-Op
Major: Product Design and Manufacturing Engineering
Received Credit: Yes
Paid: Yes
Abroad: No
Description of the Organization
Integrated Packaging Machinery is a solutions based engineering company that develops and installs packaging equipment, primarily for the dairy industry. Integrated Packaging Machinery (IPM) is a smaller company, with around 80 active employees. Because of its size, you will know all of your co-workers very quickly, and will get to know nearly everyone over the course of several semesters. I personally enjoy the environment that the smaller size of IPM provides, because it fosters an environment of management and co-workers whom care about the wellbeing and professional aspirations of their employees/coworkers.
Description of the Tasks/Projects Completed
I have had previous experience with IPM outside of my first co-op, so I was able to hit the ground running with some new product development projects. As a Co-Op/Intern, you are expected to complete the full suite of task that any of the engineers would complete, including, but not limited, working with sales and project management to clearly define goals of the project, work with fellow engineers (both within your field of focus and not) to design a product or portion of an automated system utilizing Computer Aided Design, deliver manufactured components to mechanical assembly with the assistance of internal purchasing agents and local machine shops, a support the assembly and installation of designed equipment. Throughout the experience, the projects are "owned" by you, and you are responsible for every facet of the design, including attending important information gathering meetings, the ordering of components, and the support of testing and debugging equipment. However, your fellow engineers, as well as nearly the entire IPM staff are incredibly friendly and willing to help and answer any question you may have about the job function you are performing. Co-Op students complete work very independently, with knowledgeable and friendly people available to help facilitate learning in a team focused environment.
Skills/Knowledge Gained Through The Experience
There are many specific skills and knowledge that I attribute to my learning experiences at IPM. You get a good amount of practice communicating with other professionals, both internal and external to IPM, in a meaningful way. Problem solving skills are developed at every step of a project, as well as decision making in crucial design choices, sometimes in time sensitive situations. Proficient use of CAD packages including Solidworks and AutoCAD are very important to being able to complete work in an efficient manner, and I learn something new with almost every interaction with the more experienced engineers. Additionally, I have learned a great deal about packaging industry specific things, and big picture of designing an efficient and effective packaging system. The cumulative effect of all of these experiences and skills I have developed have greatly increased my design proficiency throughout my time at IPM.
Favorite Part of the Experience
My favorite part of my co-op experience at IPM was the independent design work that I got complete. You are supplied with a project scope and some constrains to get you started on a project, but the actual execution of the project and fulfillment of project goals are up to you. Along the way, you will get as much insight from talented engineers as you ask for, who have an investment in your learning and offer valuable insight and experience. If there is something you want to know more about, whether it directly pertains to your role or not, everyone is willing to take the time to educate, and that's something that I've enjoy immensely.
How the Experience Influenced Future Career Goals
Every experience that I have had at IPM has further reinforced my passion for engineering and machine design, and provided me with a great deal of motivation to continue to learn more in my academic career. The real world experience I have gained at IPM is something that I value greatly, and I hope to continue to develop my skills and grow with IPM in the future.