Hi, I am Lorenzo,
Since childhood, I have always been driven by a deep passion for technology and a desire to understand how things work. I pursued a degree in Mechanical Engineering at Politecnico di Milano to answer some of the innumerable "how" and "why" questions I had. In 2023, I
successfully completed my Master’s Degree in Mechatronics and Robotics at PoliMi, following an exchange program at Loughborough University and completing my thesis at The Biorobotics Institute of Sant’Anna in Pisa, Italy. Shortly thereafter, I began an internship in Factory Digitalization at Accelleron, one of the newest additions to the program at the time I started seeking a placement. I am very grateful and proud of my journey so far, but if you are wondering if I have found all the answers to my questions, well, no spoilers! Keep reading and you will find out :)
What attracted you to apply to the UNITECH programme?
The UNITECH programme offers a complete package of experience for engineering students to spread and diversify their set of skills while keeping developing the pure technical ones. On a personal level, the main reason to apply to the programme was for me the possibility to create an international network made of brilliant and inspiring peers. Networking is one of the most powerful tools in the professional and personal life of a person and, especially in the ending phase of the University studies, it really helps to have the best and most effective start in the work environment.
Before applying to the programme, the rational side of my character pushed me to get as many insights as possible from former participants to the programme. This research process was itself a first occasion to experience the vibes and taste the atmosphere of such a program. Here, people not only meet to have a boost in their careers but, in the end, they use this opportunity to create bonds and deep relationships based on reciprocal trust and esteem. All of this above, in addition to the top-quality selection of academic and corporate parters, made this programm an occasion that I could have never missed in my life.
What did you enjoy most about your experience in the UNITECH programme so far and how has the programme helped prepare you for the next steps in your career?
The program offers a concrete opportunity to begin engaging with the professional environment. It not only provides one-on-one sessions and interviews with leading companies in Europe but also prepares participants theoretically on how to interact with this “special audience.” I truly appreciated the importance of all the coaching sessions and group activities during the three joint modules (SuW, MtW, and EoY). These activities equipped my peers and me with the knowledge and tools to engage with corporate partners in a professional and effective manner. Although this applies to the professional environment, UNITECH's added value is its ability to facilitate connections with companies and people in a more friendly and informal way. The networking events and after-session parties significantly contribute to building personal relationships, making it easier to maintain contacts in the future.
Tell us more about your Academic Exchange? Where was your academic exchange? What did you enjoy the most? Which subjects were the most challenging or interesting?
For my UNITECH study exchange, I attended Loughborough University. After a few days of practice to correctly pronounce “Loughborough,” I began my courses in robotics and automation to continue my academic path from PoliMi. My academic experience there was definitely positive; I was fortunate to find exactly what I was looking for, with more hands-on activities in my studies. The campus is equipped with a wide variety of laboratories and common areas, perfect for meeting friends and spending time together while studying. Regarding life outside of studies, as you might already know, Loughborough University is world-renowned for sports. During your exchange, you will have the chance to try every sport you can think of, and even some you might never have imagined. To sum up, the student community at Loughborough University is incredibly active, making this small and seemingly boring town in the middle of the UK a place that will be hard to leave after the exchange period.
Where was your internship? Were there any challenges that you faced? How did you overcome them?
My internship took place at Accelleron's headquarters in Baden, a small town 15 minutes from
Zurich, Switzerland. Despite being a relatively young company, Accelleron has inherited the knowledge and experience of its predecessor, ABB Turbocharging. As a world leader in the turbocharging sector, Accelleron provides an ideal environment for students or recent graduates to begin their professional careers. This was my first work experience, and it took me a few weeks to feel integrated enough to start making meaningful contributions in the Value Chain Digitalization department where I was placed. This dynamic and young department offered me a wide range of tasks, from low-level coding to coordinating and leading small projects. Additionally, I had the opportunity to interact with important internal stakeholders on various projects, which increased my visibility within the company and expanded my professional network. Overall, the experience was extremely positive. I learned a lot about both hard and soft skills, transitioning from theoretical knowledge to practical application in a corporate environment.
Based on my experience, my key advice for new interns is to maintain open communication with your supervisors, clearly discussing what is going well and what could be improved. This approach ensures that both you and the company get the most out of the internship experience.
What advice would you give to someone just starting out in your field?
Answering these types of questions can be challenging, as they typically depend on an individual's specific personality and background. First, I would generalize the earlier idea: always be open and constructive in every relationship, whether with friends, colleagues, or managers at work. The strong technical background that characterizes people in the engineering field is a fundamental tool for facing and overcoming difficult challenges that can shape our society. However, it is crucial to remember that, in any business or field, we always end up dealing with people. Finding a constructive and positive work environment is often more important than starting in what we believe is the perfect role, especially early in our careers. As a second key point, particularly regarding the technical aspects of an engineer's professional life, I emphasize the importance of continually asking "how" and "why" questions. The most important thing is to never stop asking ourselves these questions to keep our curiosity alive and develop an increasingly open and positive mindset. Be as flexible as you can, stay updated, and always be ready to accept the challenges that come your way. Some opportunities only come once in a lifetime, and even if you do not know where they will lead you, do not miss the chance to give them a try.