In control: MSEM student interns with automation firm

A student in Trine University’s Master of Science in Engineering Management (MSEM) program has begun an internship with a controls and automation company that likely will develop into a full-time career.

Pallavi Beldar Tylam, who came from India to begin at Trine in 2015, began interning in December for the Auburn, Indiana, office of Detroit-based Excalibur Engineering.

Tylam credited Linda Cooper and the Employment Resource Center with helping her put together a resume to attract the attention of employers. She said she was able to connect with employers at the three career fairs she attended at Trine, and Excalibur through trinecareers.org.

“The career fairs helped me know how to present myself. It really built my confidence,” she said.

An electronics and instrumentation engineering major in India, Tylam said she chose Trine because it was well-ranked and has a strong faculty. Once she arrived on campus, she enjoyed the support and encouragement offered by faculty and staff.

 “At a big university, no one has time for you,” she said. “Here, people are friendly and have patience. You can drop by any time.”

In her internship, Tylam works from home and also travels to customer sites. She helps clients with any issues they are having with their automated processes.

One client she worked with was Plymouth, Michigan-based Webasto, an automotive industry supplier. She spent four days at the company and has been asked to return in March to do more projects.

Her work at Excalibur is leading to another unique opportunity for Tylam. She said once she graduates from the MSEM program in May, her supervisor at Excalibur has asked her to continue working there full-time.

“To an international student like me, this is a big deal,” she said. “Many international students struggle to find a job because American employers give preference to U.S. citizens and permanent residents. This is another example of how persistence and diligence can lead to fruitful results.”