DHBW Co-Op Abroad in Germany at Solar Research Company
Stephen
Experience Information
Employer: Fraunhofer-Institut für Solare Energiesysteme ISE
Job Title: Research Intern
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Received Credit: Yes
Paid: Yes
Abroad: Yes
Description of the Organization
Fraunhofer ISE is located in Freiburg, Germany. The publicly funded Institute performs applied scientific and engineering research and development for all areas of solar energy. With over 1,100 employees, Fraunhofer ISE is the largest institute for applied solar energy research in Europe. There are many students from all over the world working at Fraunhofer completing both Ph.D's and Masters theses.
Description of the Tasks/Projects Completed
I was tasked with the development of a heat chamber. The heat chamber was to reach and maintain certain temperatures in order to measure the emissivity of silicon wafers at different temperatures and angles of measurement.
Skills/Knowledge Gained Through The Experience
I learned a large amount about heat transfer. Additionally I gained skills in prototyping and design.
Favorite Part of the Experience
My favorite part about the internship was simply the experience of being in a different country. While the work was compelling and challenging in its own right, the added experience of being in another country was incredibly refreshing and rewarding.
How the Experience Influenced Future Career Goals
Since engineering Co-Ops are usually confined to stay at one company for all three of their Co-Op rotations they usually only experience one possible career path within engineering. This experience allowed me to work in a very different branch and application of engineering. It granted me a better understanding of what I do and do not like within the field.
Where was this experience completed abroad?
Freiburg, Germany