BECOMING A SKILLED ENGINEER
At PJM, we have had the pleasure of having Alexander Egemar Pedersen as an intern for the past few months. Alexander is studying mechanical engineering at the Technical University of Denmark.
His interest in automation and designing complex and customised solutions made him apply for an internship at PJM. And he has been part of our Mechanical Design team, where he has participated in different assignments and projects.
WORKING ON REAL-LIFE PROJECTS
As an intern at PJM, you work on actual projects where your contribution is greatly valued as an equal member of the team. During your internship, you are encouraged to accept responsibility and seek out different opportunities to hone your skills as an automation professional. In Alexander's case, he has tackled tasks that prepare him for his future as an engineer.
Here is how Alexander describes his months of being an intern at PJM: “From the very first day I was assigned to a strategic project, GM25, led by my mentor, Patrick. The purpose of the project is to create a standard for how we design and build our automation solutions. From the beginning, Patrick has given me my own assignments and areas of responsibility within the project. It has been incredible being part of a team where my ideas and perspectives are welcome and taken into consideration.
I have learned a lot about designing machines – but I have also learned how a project goes from design to assembly. In these last few weeks of my internship, I have seen the parts for the project getting delivered and assembled. Working together with purchasing and the assembly team has given me valuable lessons I can use in my future profession.”
Even though most of his time at PJM has been spent on the GM25 project, Alexander has also been the lead on a project in his department, Mechanical Design.
Alexander explains: “Another project I have been working on is getting to know a brand-new program the Mechanical Design team is going to use to create assembly instructions. The team has trusted me with the project of exploring the program and becoming an expert in something that will be part of their jobs in the future. This has made me feel like an equal and valued colleague of the design team – as I have played a big part in setting the standard for how everyone will design assembly instructions at PJM.”
LEARNING THE ROLE OF THE ENGINEER
Another important part of being an intern at PJM is learning your craft while working with many different experienced professionals. The projects you participate in involve people from across the organisation who bring their knowledge into the project. Working in interdisciplinary teams brings you new perspectives on your profession and the role you play in the project.
Alexander describes how he has experienced just that during his time at PJM: “The best thing about being an intern at PJM is experiencing the connection between design and assembly by seeing your construction come to life. I have seen how a flaw in my design can influence the project and solution going forward. I have learned that by working closely with my colleagues, e.g. the assembly team, and by seeing the solution beyond the construction on my computer, I become a better engineer.”
The role and duty of the engineer is something Alexander has spent a lot of time reflecting on. And during his internship, his understanding of his role as an engineer has become more nuanced.
He elaborates:” As an engineer, it is my job to make sure that my solutions are safe to operate and that the
solutions meet the needs and requirements of our customers. I also need to be a strong communicator and listener to cooperate with my colleagues and do my part in delivering advanced automation solutions. My goal is to become the best possible engineer, and my time at PJM accelerated my professional development and brought me closer to my goal.”
Next semester, Alexander will be working on his final project in collaboration with PJM. While he works on the project, PJM has provided him with an office space at our location in Ballerup close to DTU. The project will focus on an assignment set by Patrick, his internship mentor. We can’t wait to see the results of the project and follow Alexander as he starts his career in mechanical engineering.