Where did you carry out your curricular internship and at what stage of your academic career (Bachelor’s or Master’s degree)? What motivated you to choose it?

My Master’s thesis originated from a collaborative project between Politecnico di Milano and Pierburg Pump Technology SpA, a company belonging to the Rheinmetall Group. Thanks to the financial support provided by the company, I had the opportunity to move to Turin for the months required to complete my thesis. There, I was able to use dedicated laboratories and become familiar with the technologies needed to develop a hardware prototype of my project. I chose to pursue a thesis carried out in an industrial environment in order to approach the world of work in a gradual and protected way. I believe this experience was fundamental in helping me make a conscious decision about my professional future after completing my university studies.

What was the project you worked on during your internship and which technical skills did you apply or develop?

The thesis project consisted of the development of an innovative, computationally efficient control system specifically designed for brushless direct current motors with delta windings. The specificity of this objective stemmed from a paradoxical discrepancy between the widespread use of this type of motor in industrial applications and the lack of scientific literature addressing dedicated control techniques. I personally followed and managed every phase of the development process, from theoretical design to simulation, prototype development, and testing. During this work, I had the opportunity to strengthen my skills in control system design, electronics, and mechanics. I learned to work directly with electronic components, programmable boards, oscilloscopes, and professional probes. I also became proficient in consulting technical documentation and gained confidence in hands-on activities such as precision soldering. Thanks to this experience, I was able to complement my theoretical background with more practical and technical skills, ultimately achieving a result that I found extremely rewarding on a personal level.

How do you think this experience contributed to your professional and personal growth?

I believe this experience represented an opportunity to challenge myself in a new environment, both from a professional and a relational point of view. The most important aspect for me during these months was learning how to move and interact within a professional context, particularly in terms of collaborating with colleagues, planning activities, presenting and documenting one’s work, and exchanging ideas. I gained direct experience in managing a complex project with time and budget constraints, while at the same time benefiting from the guidance and support of professors and tutors, who were able to direct and advise me throughout the project. Finally, I had the opportunity to meet and collaborate with the team at Pierburg Pumps, who were extremely kind and supportive, collectively backing my project and making these months a truly positive experience. In addition to the results achieved, I built a network of interesting and professional contacts with whom I hope to collaborate again in the future. All of this allowed me to approach the world of work with awareness and confidence in my abilities—qualities that I realize are just as important as technical preparation.

Would you recommend the internship to other students of Automation Engineering at Politecnico di Milano? Why?

I believe it is clear how positive this experience has been for my academic path. In addition to the technical and interpersonal benefits already discussed, I think an internship within a university framework can offer a glimpse into the working environment that would be very difficult to obtain otherwise. Personally, this was extremely helpful in easing the major transition from academic life to professional life after graduation. Direct work experience is essential in understanding how one wishes to position oneself in the job market: the types of tasks, environments, organizational and bureaucratic aspects to seek out, and those to avoid in one’s future career. For these reasons, I can only strongly recommend that all students undertake a similar experience.