Ahmed Elmalla
Ahmed Elmalla
Expert Python, Java, and VB.NET Programming Guidance IB Computer Science Tutor AP Computer Science A Tutor Python Programming Tutor Java Programming Tutor Experienced VB.NET Coding Tutor
Ahmed Elmalla

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How I landed my first Internship ?

How I landed my first Internship ?

In my fourth year while studying in university, I needed to search for an internship for my 3rd semester of the year. At that time most of my previous internships were in the automation field in local companies.

I wanted to land an internship overseas but I knew I couldn't afford it if it wasn’t a paid one. I searched for internships offered to my institute but unfortunately those were the leftovers from other universities with either a 6 month duration or to non-safe countries like colombia.  

So I turned to my father for help and he started communication with machinery manufacturers in Europe with the help of a genuine engineer. 

Only schlafhorst (now SAURER group) gave a positive response but it took months to arrange for the internships as communication was through fax machines at that time.

I went to Germany in 1999 for the first time outside my country. I was so happy that my dream came true that I didn't mind the long layover in Romania.

I spent 2 months in Germany that shaped my life afterwards but I also made some silly mistakes. 

An image with one of the kindest men I met during my internship

The image was with one of the kindest men i ever met during my internship.

 

Schlafhorst made cotton winding machines and I got training in their labs, assembly and sales departments with visits to their software development and tenth of customers. 

 

Schlafhorst machine

Where is Schlafhorst originated?

Operating from its two production sites in Germany (Mönchengladbach and Übach-Palenberg), the company has continuously built up a global sales network, thus offering its over 100 years of experience to customers all over the world


Lessons learned:

I needed to focus more on hands-on work instead of reading training materials and listening to explanations. I should have polished my english and studied more about winding machine problems & other competitors.