Insights from Arina Caraus, graduate of the 2022 edition
Between June 13 – July 8, 2022, ISD has hosted 7 interns for a PLC internship program. We have talked to Arina Caraus, one of the participants to the program, about her experience with us, thoughts about pursuing a career in the field, importance of PLC in the future and many more.
Arina is a 2nd year student at the Technical University of Moldova, the Faculty of Computers, Informatics and Microelectronics. She found out about the internship program while scrolling on Facebook. PLC got her curious and she decided to give it a try.
What motivated you to apply to this program?
Arina Caraus (A.C.): I didn’t know much about PLC, but the catchy design of the Facebook post motivated me to look for what is means and involves. I got an interest in trying something new, that is close to Arduino, but it is at a higher and industrial level.
What did you learn during the internship?
A.C.: I have learned a lot. Starting with how to turn on the conveyor, how does Ladder Logic work, and continuing with all the parts of the process. We learned everything step by step. Now, when I am walking on the streets of Chisinau, I see the city differently.
What did you like the most during the internship?
A.C.: I liked the environment and the people that I found in the company. When people you are working with are ready to help, to guide you and are telling you: ”You can do it!”, it’s just wow.
Do you think that the internship was useful for your career? Why?
A.C.: Yes, I do. My perception of the world has changed. Even more, I collaborated with amazing people here, and I am sure that the relations I established here will help me grow further. I have also realized that you must always keep learning, at and outside the university.
Would you like to pursue your career in PLC?
A.C.: I think, at least, I am going to try. Everything is possible.
Do you think that PLC technologies are important for the future?
A.C.: I think they are, because everything gets automated and more and more fields will implement them. It is interesting and important, at the same time.
What are the resources you use to learn more about this field?
A.C.: Books, the information we have available online. I take courses on Udemy, or Coursera and I receive weekly mails with updates from Inst Tools.
What would students need to develop in the field of PLC?
A.C.: I think that students are afraid of making mistakes or putting into effect what they learn. But PLC joins software with hardware, and you have to mix them, and push the button to see if what you are doing is working or not. In my opinion, students need more of this practical side, which means resources or labs where you can experiment everything you are learning.
Would you recommend to your friends to make a PLC internship at ISD?
A.C.: Yes, for sure and I think some of my friends would be motivated to try.