“Having to learn and look at elements in a theoretical manner is one thing,” says Galiana Kartal-Palazyan, “but being able to apply the practical knowledge in a real setting allows us to explore so many more pathways to gaining experience.”
Galiana studied mechanical engineering at Swinburne University of Technology. In March 2022, she was the first intern at Parish Engineering.
The internship scholarship is part of DSI’s collaboration with the AI Group, pairing host companies like Parish with undergraduate and postgraduate students.
Parish Engineering is a family-owned company that has specialised in Australian repetition engineering for over 75 years. They produce and provide precision components that allow programmed machining equipment to efficiently create large product runs of identical parts.
Their CEO Nicole Sinclair says that they seek interns who display strong analytical and communication skills, along with a willingness to engage in hands-on problem solving.
“Students can expect to learn a thorough understanding of end-to-end manufacturing, from concept to component production, along with core manufacturing principles,” Nicole explains.
As Galiana recalls, “I was able to gain experience in a range of areas within the company.”
Some of the tasks Galiana assisted with and worked on include engineering support, assembly of components, design and construction, maintenance, resolving technical issues, and data analysis.
“The internship provided a smooth transition between my education and career,” Galiana says. “I enhanced my social business skills, as well as time management and project management.”
The experience allowed her to watch, participate and learn in an industry environment, a crucial element in applying the learnings from her degree. Over the three month internship period, Galiana was able to balance part-time and full-time work and complete the program as part of her course placement requirement.
“Overall, I was very happy. I had completed all of my subjects and could focus on getting more experience and learning to apply what I know,” Galiana says.
