Learn about Harshavardhan's internship experience and the career development skills he's gained in the professional work environment.
Name: Harshavardhan Bodla
Location: Queensland
Course & University: Bachelor of Engineering (Honours), The University of Queensland
Graduation: 2022 (expected)
- What types of things were you involved with during your internship?
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My internship involved being in the office, networking with colleagues as well as assisting the Processing Engineering team at Cochlear as a student engineer, and supporting the manufacturing of Cochlear products.
- What advantages has completing the internship given you?
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One of the biggest advantages completing this work experience at Cochlear has given me is undoubtedly the networking with industry engineers. Connecting with engineers in the industry that I aspire to be in has developed my knowledge and the skills that I tend to develop over time as an aspiring Biomedical Engineer. Furthermore, being a part of an organisation that is leading in its industry has allowed me to get an insight of an edge in the job market which has gained my confidence being a student in my penultimate year.
- What was the biggest challenge you faced during your internship?
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It is true that everyone does well during the internships in the anticipation of recognition. Being an intern, you must be putting 100% in your work, but still, one of my biggest challenges during my internship was time management. Time management between my college life, professional life, and personal life are paramount and juggling between these three balls has definitely taught me a lesson to balance more.
- What was the main thing that you learnt during your internship that you’ve since been able to apply to your professional life/studies?
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From conducting meetings with industry engineers to meeting deadlines & tasks, my knowledge in the medical device industry was transformed into a series of practical techniques and skills that I can now implement in both my studies and beyond. I believe the benefits of networking are limitless as the more connection you have with your internship supervisor and company, the more people you meet and learn how to build relationships.
- What are the ways Engineers Australia helped you throughout the internship process?
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As a student ambassador for Engineers Australia, I believe attending YEAQ’s (Young Engineers Australia Queensland) events have certainly played a huge role in understanding the work culture in the industry. Having built relationships with many mentors and EA staff who want you to aspire as a young engineer and throughout your career is truly exceptional.
