Member Article

A Year in Industry: Research Engineer Intern

Walker Filtration offer a variety of placement opportunities across a number of disciplines, including Engineering, Finance, Sales and Marketing and Operations. We caught up with Molly Wales, who recently joined our Technical team as a Research Engineer Intern, to see how she is getting on.

Molly joins Walker Filtration from Newcastle University, where her studies in aerosol droplet capture and analysis will support ongoing research at Walker Filtration regarding the development of new filtration technologies.

What are you currently studying? I am currently in my fourth and final year studying a Masters in Physics at Newcastle University.

What made you decide to do a research internship and why do you think they are important? Before I graduate in July, I wanted to get an idea of what it was like in the research side of science. A research internship allows me to get a sense of what a job in the research and development world is like. Hands on experience like this is invaluable; the skills, knowledge and relationships I am developing will, without a doubt, help me in my future careers.

What was it that attracted you to Walker Filtration? Walker Filtration’s reputation speaks for itself and after my initial interview it was clear that this was going to be a company where I was not only pushed and challenged but supported and developed to the best of my abilities.

What has your experience been like so far? I have learnt how to research an idea and come up with a plan to test and confirm/challenge the results. I have designed and conducted experiments, presented my ideas and findings and have continually been taught new ways of testing and developing my thoughts and skills. I initially found it challenging to go from research into experimental testing, but I have been fully supported in this and it is now something I really enjoy doing. I am encouraged to run my project independently but know I have a great team if I need some assistance, and that’s all down to the fantastic team I’m working with.

What are you looking forward to working on? I am mostly looking forward to being able to apply all the research I’ve found to current products and seeing the impact it makes.

Where do you see yourself after you’ve completed your studies? I am currently really enjoying working in the R&D department and so would like to continue working in this type of sector. I would really like to get involved with the development of new products within this area of work.

Finally, what is the best thing about working at Walker Filtration? The People. The company itself is welcoming and supportive.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Walker Filtration Ltd. .