This year, Birdon in Port Macquarie hosted its first round of paid internships. Beth Legge, is studying a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Robotics and Mechatronics, and Jack Strahorn, is a third-year student studying Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering at UNSW.
We caught up with Beth and Jack to reflect on their hands-on experiences, valuable learning, and meaningful contributions that have left a lasting impact during their internships at Birdon.
What appealed to you about conducting an internship with Birdon?
Beth: I was really drawn to the opportunity to work so closely with production. Being on-site and seeing the build process firsthand is something you can’t replicate in an office. It helped me understand the real-world applications of engineering, such as how engineering designs are fabricated and the additional steps involved in building, manoeuvring and installing the design in real projects.
Jack: For me, it was the chance to work with a company in my hometown that works on both high-profile national and international projects. The idea of transitioning from theoretical studies to practical, hands-on experience was very appealing.
What was the most rewarding aspect of the internship?
Beth: This has honestly been the most valuable learning experience of my higher education. I think the most rewarding part is knowing that I have made a positive contribution to a project. Knowing that some of my ideas might actually be implemented in the projects was a great feeling. The experience has strengthened my engineering foundations.
Jack: I really liked the close integration of engineering work with production. Seeing the build process up close and understanding how design applications work in the real world is incredibly rewarding. It significantly enhanced my understanding of engineering foundations and theory.
What did you find challenging?
Beth: One of the challenges was realising how much I didn’t know, despite feeling like I was learning a lot at university. The engineers that we have worked alongside at Birdon have been very patient and generous with their time and knowledge, which has really helped us.
Jack: The transition from theoretical knowledge to practical application was challenging. Understanding the real-world implications of engineering principles required a lot of adjustment. But it was a valuable learning curve.
What advice would you give to other university students embarking on gaining internship experience?
Beth: Take any opportunity you can get and think outside the box. If you’re not sure where you want to end up, internships can help you figure out what you do and don’t like.
Jack: Be open to learning and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Internships are a great way to gain practical experience and understand the industry better. I’m walking away from this experience with an openness to explore similar opportunities, as well as other chances to gain practical insights into engineering, such as site tours and conversations with industry professionals.
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Beth and Jack’s experiences at Birdon have not only enriched their education but also shaped their future career paths. We wish them all the best as they return to university and look forward to seeing their continued success.
As Beth and Jack return to university, we are confident that the skills and experiences they have gained here will serve them well in their future endeavours.
We wish them all the best and look forward to seeing the great things they will achieve.
