Ali Iqbal

What is the name of the company you work for and what do they do?

Schneider Electric is a European multinational corporation that specializes in electricity distribution, automation management and produces installation components for energy management. Between energy generation and its usage, Schneider Electric provides technology and integrated solutions to optimise energy usage in markets like energy & infrastructure, industry, data centres, buildings and residential. With a unique portfolio in electrical distribution, industrial automation, critical power & cooling, building management and security - Schneider Electric is the only global specialist in energy management and a world leader in energy efficiency.

What is your role within the company?

I work as an Industrial Engineering Intern, my main responsibilities being:

• Work with other teams on site to lead the PFMEA process and then implement lean manufacturing principles to implement improvements.
• Provide continual analysis and improvement of the assembly and manufacturing techniques through benchmarking, eliminating waste, product and quality issues and ensuring we meet Health and Safety requirements.
• Lead and implement projects that develop and improve the layout of work areas, tool design and source cost effective external services with the overall aim of improving labour productivity.

Can you please give me an insight into a typical day?

As part of my industrial placement I work closely with the line process manager on a daily basis and lead the implementation of improvement projects to ensure the products are produced attaining the quality and efficiency levels required in line with Schneider's continuous improvement philosophy. 

What are you enjoying the most and are you involved in any interesting projects?

Working alongside professional engineers on real time projects is definitely something I enjoy. Not only has it groomed me professionally but I have personally developed too. The latest project I've been working on is to create a central database for the whole factory. 

Why did you want to undertake a year in industry?

I wanted to gain an insight of the business world before I graduate. Also my placement would help me to fast track my graduate placements. As I intend to join the energy sector once I graduate, I am hopeful that as a result of this experience it will be easier to obtain a job within Schneider Electric.

Do you have any tips and advice to current students thinking of undertaking a year in industry?

My advice to students would be to definitely apply for year in industry. Not only will it transform you as a person but it will give you a real insight into the professional world. Initially, you may find the interview process daunting and news of rejections pretty disheartening but that's part of the process, just keep applying and don't give up.