From mechatronics laboratories to the automation of large industrial processes. Fresh from Lodz University of Technology, Maciej Komorowski set off on a fascinating journey across Europe to explore the world of automation. He uses his knowledge and experience working as an automation engineer for a global company - Contec Poland.
Contec streamlines and automates industrial processes and machines all over the world. How did you start cooperating with such a big company?
During my master’s studies I submitted my application to Contec, which was looking for employees at that time. The road to employment was not easy - I had to pass several recruitment stages, the last of which took place in the main department in Belgium. I felt even more satisfaction when I was accepted for the position of a Junior Automation Engineer. I started to assist with projects, and a few months later, I was sent to France for a year and a half. It was an extraordinary experience! I worked there directly with a customer in the packaging line area, which let me acquire me new, specialized skills. After returning to Poland, I started working directly on projects in the packaging area, gaining more and more independence.
You are an automation engineer, but you did not study automation. You graduated with a Bachelor of Science in mechatronics and a Master of Science in electrical engineering. Do you use the knowledge from these fields in your work?
Definitely yes, especially studies in mechatronics proved to be useful. The curriculum of this field touches on various issues that are used in the implementation of industrial automation solutions - such as sensors and actuators, computer networks, control theory, electrical machines. This is a great foundation for working in a company that specializes in integrating systems. Anyway, Contec introduces solutions that enable not only control and automation of entire production lines, but also industrial processes. Extensive skills are therefore essential in my work, including working with technologies that are yet to enter the market. Studying mechatronics perfectly prepared me to take up such challenges.
You gained useful knowledge during undergraduate studies, while during postgraduate studies you went for a three-month internship to Denmark. What kind of work did you do abroad?
That's right, all thanks to the student organization IAESTE, which enables you to go to companies abroad. I did an internship at AN Group, which integrates industrial automation systems. During the internship I prepared the control of a test system for screening large particles of material from which the final product was made. I developed the program with another local apprentice, and then the engineer from the company helped put it into operation. The skills I acquired during that time pay off in my current work, and I still maintain contact with interns from other countries around the world.
You started working for Contec Poland while you were still studying for your master’s degree. How did you combine work with studies?
The internship in Denmark was planned to last until the end of November, so I could not start another academic year in October. The prospect of an internship in a foreign company made me apply for a year-long dean's leave. After returning to Poland, I still had almost a year of leave, so I decided to use that time constructively and started working for Contec Poland. After my dean's leave ended, I moved from full-time to part-time studies in order to be able to combine work with studies.
The possibility of combining work with studies is one of the advantages of our university. What other aspects of TUL do you consider particularly important?
In my opinion, a great advantage of Lodz University of Technology is its extensive educational offer. Depending on individual preferences, future students can easily find an area in which they will gain knowledge. Participation in laboratories and practical classes, in turn, allowed me to acquire valuable skills - conduct research, diagnostics and obtain information necessary to finalize a project. I can also confidently recommend the field of mechatronics, especially to people who are still undecided about their career path. The variety of areas presented within the curriculum is a unique opportunity for students to learn in detail about the potential paths for further development. For a true engineer, ready to work in various sectors of industry, this is the basis for a good start in professional life.
Interviewer: Dr Aleksandra Pawlik
Photos: Contec Poland
Contec is one of the world's leading automation system integrators providing dedicated industrial automation solutions. The company specializes in the implementation of projects for manufacturing industry, in particular for food and chemical industries as well as for manufacturers of plastics.