In the Summer of 2018, I was offered an opportunity to intern at Shenzhen Open Innovation Lab (SZOIL). It was the second internship of my young career and I was exited to take on the challenge to learn and work in Shenzhen, the silicon valley of China. Even though, the length of internship at SZOIL was only a month long, I learned a great deal and really appreciated my working experience in China.
As a third-year engineering student in the University of Texas at Austin, I was excited for what future has prepared for me. However, I knew and expected nearly nothing about the future, but I believe it was this strange excitement and slow anticipation for the unknown have been driving me forward along the way. I received the offer to beinterning in SZOIL by applying through CRCC Asia with a short interview beforehand. I vividly remember the first time when I read about SZOIL on its website. Its goal, company mission, and purpose really captivated my interest to learn more.
Working in SZOIL made me realized how it is like to be working professionally in China. In addition, since SZOIL is a renowned Fablab, it really suited me well as an engineering student. The work space and the equipments were really similar to those in the United States, so getting started on projects and other tasks were fairly easy and welcoming.
In SZOIL, I learned more about 3D printings and how to use the laser cutting machine for parts prototyping. It was such a fruitful experience. I enjoyed every minutes working at SZOIL. In addition, after we finished building each projects, I like the concept of open sourcing and sharing what we have learned and accomplished to the community through various workshops. They provide me the opportunities to practice my public speaking skills, communications, organization skills, and other useful soft skills.
Not only did I learn more about the work culture, ethics, and professionalism, I also learned how to effectively communicate to others, organize a small teaching events, and to deliver a two hour presentation to the public. At my time in SZOIL, I have hosted several workshops with SZOIL to give back to the tech community. The attendees were always enthusiastic and passionate in learning. The past few workshops covered a wide range of topics from AI image classification using NM500(Neuromem chip shield to arduino) to a self-driving RC car using Raspberry Pi 3B. I even went on a “business trip” to Changsha, Hunan province to host a workshop in Changsha library too! It was definitely an eye-opening experience in China. I have never had an summer internship experience as cool and comprehensive as my time here before.
All of the employees in SZOIL are really nice and helpful. Sometimes the projects in hand might be overwhelming, confusing, or even frustrating, but in the end, they always turned out smoothly. Even at time of difficulties, when I thought there is no way I could do it by myself, I would still push forward nonetheless because I know I am not alone. I have a team standing right by my side supporting me through every steps of the way.
For the past month, I want to specifically thank other interns: Kazimirau Vladzislav, Jesus Vasquez, Lachlan Jago, and Abdulhamid Mousa. I have learned a great deal from each of them, and I appreciate their help and cooperation in all our projects together. In addition, SZOIL would not be as welcoming and enjoy to work in if it were not for the guidances of Vicky Xie, David Li, Fei Sun, Ben Chen, Ciel Wang, Jun Tao, Weiquan Lin, and Seth Li.
Thank you all.
