Exciting opportunities are awaiting young engineers. An interview with Randa Ibrahim, an Engineering Intern at Sutton Tools
Randa Ibrahim’s Internship at Sutton Tools was about embracing a culture of knowledge sharing, cultivating a nurturing work environment, and staying open to fresh, innovative ideas. Randa has now finished her internship with the company and shares her experience as an intern testifying to the transformative power of Sutton Tools.
One of her lecturers, Professor Suresh Palanisamy, who Randa calls her unofficial ‘guidance counsellor’, encouraged her to apply for an internship opportunity with Swinburne’s industry partner Sutton Tools, a leading manufacturer of cutting tools.
After the internship, Randa completed her thesis in conjunction with Sutton Tools and was offered a full-time graduate position with the company. “My specialisation is manufacturing so in my role I work a lot with the machines as a service engineer,” she says.
Randa also works on special projects to help Sutton Tools stay across changes in advanced manufacturing technologies, known as Industry 4.0. “I’m interested in Industry 4.0, which I would describe as everything becoming smarter, more connected, and automated. This means less room for human error and makes manufacturing more efficient,” she says.
Randi was asked when and how her interest in engineering started.
“My interest in engineering took root in my early teens, largely influenced by my father,” she said. “He’s an engineer with a remarkable hands-on approach, always showing curiosity. He was regularly taking on a mix of small projects and hobbies, as well as unique technical challenges around the house and at work. To me, as a child, it seemed he had an answer to everything, and this depth of knowledge together with his passion fascinated me. This appreciation inspired me to dive deeper into engineering, with the hope of achieving a similar level of knowledge.”
What sets Sutton Tools apart from other companies in the industry, and how has your experience as an intern contributed to this distinction?
Sutton Tools stands as a testament to the power of blending legacy with innovation. Unlike many other companies, Sutton seamlessly combines its rich heritage with an unwavering commitment to the latest technologies. One of the things that truly sets Sutton apart is its dedicated staff; many have been with the company for over 20 years, showcasing unparalleled loyalty and depth of expertise. This longevity, combined with new talents, creates a dynamic and enriching environment. My experience as an intern here has been very well-rounded. I’ve been entrusted with hands-on tasks, and the encouragement to voice and implement my ideas as well.
Tell us about a mentor or colleague at Sutton Tools who has had a significant impact on your professional growth. What lessons have you learned from them?
From day one at Sutton, I was guided by Roy D’Souza [Senior Service Engineer], his mentorship was different to any I’d worked with before, highlighting both independence and the value of teamwork. Rather than simply critiquing, Roy placed emphasis on instructive feedback and continuous training and learning, this approach significantly boosted my confidence and technical and communication skills. Furthermore, he introduced me to varied project scopes, ensuring I was exposed to diverse challenges that expanded my problem-solving abilities. Most importantly, over the course of the year he’s instilled in me a sense of self-awareness regarding emotional intelligence and work ethic, elements I’ve come to value deeply in my professional journey.
In your opinion, what is the most exciting or promising technological advancement in the field of engineering, and how do you see it shaping the future?
The integration of AI and machine learning into engineering simulations and tools is what excites me the most. Their incorporation is set to revolutionise not just theoretical design elements but also practical aspects, particularly in manufacturing industries. These technologies can predict material behaviours, optimise production processes, and even anticipate machinery maintenance needs, thus streamlining operations and ensuring consistent product quality. The potential to fundamentally transform how we approach design, testing, and optimisation holds promises of a more efficient and innovative future in the engineering realm.
What’s the most unexpected or non-engineering hobby or interest you have that you believe adds value to your engineering work?
Oil painting is a hobby I enjoy, while it may seem far removed from the structured world of engineering, the patience, attention to detail, and understanding of how individual components come together to create a cohesive piece are skills that parallel engineering principles. Each painting, much like an engineering project, begins with a vision and undergoes iterative processes. An invaluable lesson I’ve learned from painting is the importance of occasionally stepping back from a piece, to distance oneself and then returning with fresh eyes to gain a clearer perspective and appreciation of the work. This approach of reflection and reassessment not only benefits my paintings but has also proved vital in my engineering projects. This passion not only lets me express myself creatively but reinforces the significance of perspective in both my personal and professional life.
Tell us about a project, where you had to think outside the box and come up with a creative solution to a challenging engineering problem.
While evaluating the efficiency of our equipment and supplies ordering process [at Sutton Tools], I identified a glaring challenge. The traditional paper-based Kanban system we used for restocking was causing delays and sometimes even led to overstocking or understocking issues. Drawing inspiration from online shopping platforms, I envisioned a digital Kanban system that mirrored an online shopping cart, where team members could add the equipment or supplies, they needed into a ‘cart’. This included a bulk ordering feature, allowing multiple persons to combine their requirements. This optimised our inventory but also eliminated the need for paper Kanbans, making our operations more sustainable and efficient.
Lastly, what advice would you give to future engineering interns at Sutton Tools based on your own experiences and learning during your internship?
Never hesitate to ask questions or propose ideas, no matter how out-of-the-box they may seem. Sutton Tools values innovation and growth, and every experience here is a learning opportunity. Embrace challenges head-on and make the most of the vast knowledge pool that surrounds you. We’d like to proudly thank Randa for her wonderful insight at Sutton. She has now finished her internship and has moved on to further her career overseas where an exciting opportunity awaits!
Sutton Tools encourages and invites anyone looking at getting into the Engineering industry to enquire about what we can offer as a company for their journey. If you would like to register your interest in interning at Sutton Tools, you can contact us at cservice@sutton.com.au to enquire.