My name is Sara Inácio and I am a Materials Engineering student from Monção at the University of Minho. After completing the third year of the course this year, I thought it was the ideal time to undertake a summer internship, having had the opportunity to do so at the engineering and industrialization company ISQ&CTAG.
Despite considering the Integrated Master’s Degree in Materials Engineering to be quite enriching, due to the pandemic we have faced in recent years, practical and laboratory classes have been greatly reduced, so that the course, until now, has largely focused on the theoretical component. Therefore, I decided to find a way to remedy this situation. I applied for a summer internship at ISQ&CTAG, as it is a laboratory where various tests are carried out in order to guarantee the quality and safety of products associated with the automotive industry. In addition to this being an area that has always fascinated me, this laboratory is consequently equipped with excellent equipment and, last but not least, its main objective is the innovation and integration of new technologies. So, in advance, a huge thank you to CEO André Mendes for the opportunity given to me.
At an early stage of this internship, I was able to familiarize myself with the standards based on which tests are rigorously carried out. Later, with regard to the materials laboratory, I observed and assisted the work team in carrying out the tests, as well as analyzing the properties of the materials after them. The stone fragment resistance tests were the ones in which I had the most active participation. As for the environmental laboratory, I learned about how extreme climatic conditions are simulated, such as temperature and humidity, and how, consequently, materials react, having followed several tests, especially salt fog, solar radiation and thermal shock. However, it should be noted that I was also given the freedom to learn about other areas. Thus, I was able to follow the entire testing process, from the creation of test sheets based on the work requests received, to the preparation of the final report delivered to the client.
Interning at ISQ&CTAG was an extremely enriching experience. This allowed me to delve deeper and experience in a practical way various topics taught at university. I was able to learn about new topics and developed key skills such as: communication, teamwork and time management. I had my first contact with the world of work and, although each company is a particular case, I had the opportunity to follow the day-to-day life of one. Thus, I observed the posture to be adopted in different situations and learned about different requirements for success, which I consider to have been a great starting point. No less important, I also improved my linguistic skills in relation to the English language, the language in which the reports are written and, of course, the Spanish language, this being not a company resulting from the strategic partnership between ISQ and CTAG, uniting the North of Portugal with Galicia.
From the first day at the company I was extremely welcomed by the entire work team, so I couldn’t be more pleased with this experience. In addition to the excellent environment they provided me, they shared with me, over the course of two months, their great knowledge in the area. They always answered all my doubts, were very accessible and, in addition to the opportunity to observe, they gave me the opportunity to do it, which is still the best way of learning. So, thank you all very much for welcoming me in this great spirit of mutual help, sharing and, of course, always good humor.
My involvement in the company increased throughout this internship, which could not make me more satisfied. More and more were the teachings and trust they placed in me to carry out the most diverse tasks. So, I hope I was able to thank you in the best way: by effectively carrying out everything that was proposed to me and, therefore, helping the work team.
Finally, I would like to wish ISQ&CTAG every success. I hope the company continues to grow, make a difference and always achieve its goals: innovation and integration of new technologies.