Terrapin Works! How my practicum applies to possible careers

As an engineering major, most employers expect you to have some degree of technical experience outside of the classroom. This experience can be through professional work or through independent activities. Luckily for me, 3D printing is something that I'm able to do both in the lab and on the couch! However, by working at Terrapin Works, my knowledge of CAD and advanced 3D printers has become more refined. So much so that my scope of practical application has widened tremendously.  

Terrapin Works has trained me to use several different CAD software. These include:

•   Autodesk 2018/2019
• Meshmixer
• MakerBot Print
• Prusa Slicer
• Prusa i3 Mk3 
• Z-Suite
• Geomagic Design X
•  Dremel DigiLab 3D Slicer 
•  OctoPrint 
• ideaMaker
• astroPrint

While some of these platforms are more pedestrian, the fact that I have experience with them means that I can transfer my knowledge to more advanced programs. CAD is a growing industry, so there is a growing demand for people with experience in the practice.

Much of my lab experience consists of me dealing with high end machinery that requires special care. Most notably are the Dremel 3D45 in the AFL, which is a $500,000 piece

of equipment used in industry to prototype parts for development, and the KERN LaserCELL, a $60,000 laser cutter. Both of these are industrial machines that manufacturers use on a regular bases.  All AFL Lab Managers must be trained to use this equipment due to it's complexity. Since UMD is one of the only campuses in THE WORLD that have such high end machinery, having this experience makes me standout.

There are several companies that either work with Terrapin Works directly, or regularly recruit students who work within their labs. Some of the companies that look for this type of work experience include:

• Northrop Grumman
• SOLIDWORKS
• W. L. Gore and Associates
• BMW
• Boeing
• Nike
• Lockheed Martin

It's not uncommon for representatives of these clients to come tour our labs or look for students to give internships to. Just by being present in these labs and having them as a reference increased my chances to get an internship.

It's one thing to say that I could get hired by a major company. But I bet some of you are wondering, "What kind of jobs can you actually do?" My future isn't set in stone, so it's important to know the different jobs I should consider while deciding what classes I take. Some positions where my experience at Terrapin Works can be applied are:

• Additive Manufacturing (testing different material applications for manufacturing)
• Digital Fabrication Technician (prototyping using 3D modeling)
• Biomedical Engineer (developing special materials & graphs for pharmaceutical use)
• Machine Operator
• Architecture/Construction layout modeling
• Operations and administrative positions in tech companies
• Project consulting (using my expertise to assist clients in development projects)