Allison Lloyd- April 2009

I am a Drexel University undergraduate student majoring in Biomedical Engineering with a concentration in Tissue Engineering. Of my three cooperative experiences or co-op’s, I spent my final two at Boehringer Laboratories. From the get-go many aspects of this company pleased me. The employees were pleasant to work with, helpful and informative. The work I was given was applicable to my studies and my chosen career path. I enjoyed a wide variety of projects which involved almost every aspect of the medical device business as a whole, from engineering to sales and marketing, to manufacturing and production. I also enjoyed, and was challenged by, an unexpectedly high level of responsibility, which increased as I became more familiar with tools, concepts, and procedures, and gained more skills under supervision. Finally, to top it all off, I enjoyed the work I did. I especially loved being able to see a project through from a concept to a patent-pending product being evaluated by customers and ready to be manufactured.

More specifically, each of my two co-ops at Boehringer involved the development of at least one new product from an idea and rough sketch to something we could market and sell to improve healthcare. In this, Boehringer expended almost no time determining how much I could handle, and then giving me more responsibility than I thought I was ready for. I was placed in charge of the development of two new products. Though we worked closely on teams for both products, my timid inputs for the betterment of hand processes for the production of prototypes, as well as applied materials, developed testing procedures, and tools were all considered and often applied. I was able to visit hospitals to see Boehringer products in action, including many which were related to those I was working to develop. I never expected to co-op for a company where my ideas would be, not only seriously considered, but even implemented in real-time manufacturing processes, in products being sold, and in the final development of products for future market release.

My time at Boehringer was not all comprised of those two big projects, though. I also gained a great deal of experience through my smaller projects, completed in both co-op terms. For instance, I became very familiar with Solidworks, which is a drafting program very similar to AutoDesk Inventor and Auto CAD. Through this program, as well as Microsoft Word, Excel and Access, I additionally learned about the procedures and paperwork required to maintain records of engineering changes. Similarly, I drafted instructions for use and evaluation forms for new products, and even wrote an invention disclosure for one of these, which became the draft for a patent application for that product. Furthermore, I was able to design and perform experiments, which successfully produced quantitative results. These experiments taught me to remove variables, and consider well all aspects of the system or object to be tested before beginning the experiment, and to maintain consistency, even while testing for several things at one time. In addition to my engineering work, I also gained valuable experience in areas which touched upon marketing, manufacturing, and production.

From quality control walk-throughs and product inspection to information video development, my technical understanding of the products proved useful in non-engineering divisions of the company. To begin, I was thoroughly involved in the filming, narration, and audio/video editing of a set of informational and marketing videos for an entire product line. This set of videos, when completed, was not only given to our sales representatives in the field, but was also posted on the company website, and professionally applied to DVD’s for further distribution to Boehringer distributors and clients. Along those lines, I also produced a short animation clip to be run as a marketing piece demonstrating the function of the main product. This was imbedded in the website. I also began a shorter video for a different product line. Needless to say, I became very well versed in the use of Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Premier, Jasc Animation Software, and Nero Audio programs, among others. Additionally, I helped to develop marketing literature such as brochures for existing products, and produced PowerPoint presentations for research in which I was involved, as well as for new products I was helping to bring to fruition. Despite the above described tasks, rather little of my work was actually accomplished from behind a desk.

In fact, I believe the majority of my time at Boehringer was actually spent away from my desk. For instance, any given day I might be found in the biology laboratory conducting an experiment, or in the machine shop making test apparatus, tools, or prototypes, or even in the clean room running tests, inspecting product and overseeing or adapting the process for the monthly production of products. I even gave a presentation! My work at Boehringer also allowed me to meet with managers, other engineers, and technicians from other companies, as well as nurses, doctors, and more from local hospitals. On that note, I was able to visit hospitals, and manufacturing plants. Keeping busy was certainly never a problem at Boehringer; and every day was completely new, different, and exciting.

All in all, I felt that Boehringer provided the most comprehensive and satisfying experience one can possibly expect to gain from any co-op or even many full-time positions. I learned so much from my experience at Boehringer; and what I have learned not only helps me in the classroom, but will also help me in the future. I was instructed and aided in my tasks, but was also given a great degree of freedom with which to complete them, allowing me to learn and be creative. I was challenged by the complexity of my assignments, as well as their duration and variety, which also furthered my learning. Finally, I was accepted not only as an employee, but as an engineer. At Boehringer, I have come to learn that one’s success is only limited by one’s determination and dedication to see it through to the end.

Tom Ward -March 2008

Boehringer Laboratories is a small privately owned company located in Norristown, Pennsylvania. Currently the company’s and its subsidiary’s featured products include lines of auto transfusion equipment, suction regulators, and advanced negative pressure wound therapy systems. These products are designed, developed, manufactured, and sold from Boehringer’s main plant. Boehringer’s small size coupled with the multitude of operations carried out “in house” make the company an ideal place
to work.

My work experience at Boehringer began purely by chance. I applied to the company on a whim and did not begin to research what Boehringer did until I was granted an interview. During the interview process I was able to converse with senior engineers and current interns, which allowed me to develop an understanding of what the experience would be like. I also took qualification tests so that the company could determine my eligibility. Though my responsibilities as an intern had been described to
me, I was not sure that the descriptions were accurate. At the time I was somewhat pessimistic because during my previous internship I did little more than surf the web and was rarely assigned projects, even if I asked for them. I was impressed by the fact that applicants were required to take and pass tests to be considered for the position. I took this as a sign that the company only accepted qualified applicants and would assign responsibilities based on the applicant’s qualifications. Though I still held some reservations I told myself that six months was a short time, even if I were to find out that
the job was unbearable, and I decided to accept the position.

After a short time a Boehringer I realized that I had made the correct decision in accepting the position. The senior engineers immediately began dolling out full project loads. The projects were initially somewhat simple and slightly mundane but as the senior engineers developed confidence they rapidly began assigning more complex and meaningful projects. In stark contrast to my previous internship, I always had a full list of meaningful projects that I was responsible for. My days of “surfing the web” during work were finished. Boehringer’s ability to manage all aspects of product development allowed me to broaden my horizons and develop skills that I would most likely not be able to develop at larger companies. During my six months with the company I worked on product design, helped with certain manufacturing tasks for new prototypes, aided with the development of automated machines for manufacturing, aided with quality control, developed a much deeper understand of CAD, learned how to machine products, aided with marketing projects, directly interacted with the sales department in efforts to better suit Boehringer’s products to fit customer needs, and submitted a scientific paper for publication. All of these projects were completed with minimal supervision, though help was always present if it was required.

I began my tenure with Boehringer under the pretext that I would be working as an engineer. I ended my tenure with Boehringer as an employee who had worked as an engineer and much more. Looking back I almost find myself filled with disbelief as I recount the sheer amount of experience that I was able to gain with this organization. In addition to all of the non-engineering experience that I was able to garner, I amassed a large amount of engineering knowledge in many different fields of engineering. I
developed mechanical engineering skills working with suction regulators, testing the structural integrity of various packaging and shipping configurations, and test consumable products to ensure that they were suitable for consumer use. I was able to enhance my electrical engineering skills by working with the circuit boards and programs used to control the advanced negative pressure wound therapy systems. Lastly and most importantly for me, I was able to improve my knowledge of biomedical engineering as Boehringer is a medical device company. Working with these products, I was able to
develop a greater understanding of how the products work in a medical setting and how they interact with the human biological system.

I am thoroughly pleased that I was able to work for this company. I am also eternally grateful that I was particularly lucky when I arbitrarily applied for the position. Boehringer is probably the best company where an engineering student can intern if they are willing to work hard and have a desire to vastly expand their practical knowledge.

Paul F. Black - August 2003

Working at Boehringer Laboratories over the summer as an intern has given me many valuable experiences. As an intern I was involved in most aspects of product development, from creating a new idea to prototyping to testing and tuning. The projects that I worked with were very important to the company. One product was poised to just start clinical testing and a majority of my time was utilized to update the drawings and documentation for this device, fabricate consumables and create specifications for parts. Another project was less mature and I was given much freedom to pursue a path that I thought might solve a problem with the existing design.

Boehringer Labs is a fast-paced work environment that is instantly different than anything one can find in school. Many important projects are running simultaneously and one needed to remember the status of them and be able to jump from concentrating on one to concentrating on another. Organization is a must if one wishes to keep everything straight and not get bogged down.

The main project I was assigned was a device used to analyze clotting and bleeding risks in surgery patients. The importance of recording changes and controlling document revisions became apparent as many drawings needed to be updated with new information. Having someone familiar with the assembly of the machine to answer questions was a great resource and I realized how vital communication between engineers and machinists is to the status of a project. I also became familiar with testing methods for the device and the fabrication of consumables.

The opportunity to design a suction regulator starting with just the functional dimensions was another project I was assigned. I needed to make many design decisions, including choice of materials and general shape and size. If I needed assistance my supervisor and machinists were there to help. Even though the regulator did not perform as well as I hoped I still gained engineering skills by being involved in the design and construction processes.

Business communication is another essential skill for an engineer. Working at Boehringer provided many chances for me to practice and hone my communication abilities. I was involved in requesting quotes for parts, requesting sample materials, calling support personnel regarding their products and asking technical questions to engineers at other companies. If a consultant was meeting with my supervisor about a project to which I was assigned I would sit in and listen to the ideas being exchanged. Much outside assistance was available if I asked.

My summer experience at Boehringer Laboratories was a great learning opportunity. The process of engineering design and solving problems is essential to an engineer and I was given many opportunities to utilize my skills and to improve in areas where I was not as strong. Even though I was not in a class, the time spent at Boehringer Laboratories was a major part of my education as an engineer.

Frank Tornetta - March 2000

In my mind, Boehringer Labs is an ideal company to do an internship with. The small size of the company, combined with the wide range of personalities and extreme depths of knowledge and expertise, provide the perfect setting for a young engineering student to experience everything that is a part of being an engineer. By having the manufacturing facility in house, you are given the ability to see your ideas become a reality. This feature also allows you to develop a respect and appreciation for the talents of the machinists and production workers. Working with the people in manufacturing is where I feel I learned the most at Boehringer. Engineering isn't just about having an idea that works on paper. If the machinist can't understand your drawing, or if he just doesn't have the tools to do what you ask, then all the effort you put into your design is worthless, no matter how "pretty" it looks. By having the people and the tools at your fingertips, you learn so much more than your classes can teach you.

At Boehringer, in addition to improving your technical skills and knowledge, you learn how to deal with, work with, and succeed with different people who have very different personalities.

Your experience at Boehringer Labs will be what you make it. There is a great balance between structure and freedom which allows you to get the most out of your time spent with the company. As long as you are eager to work and ready to learn, an internship with Boehringer will be more than you expect.

Dan McDonough - March 2000

Spending the last six months at Boehringer Laboratories has been an incredible learning experience for me. Every day I learned more. I enjoy learning, and the people at Boehringer are eager to teach. This particular company is an extremely diverse working environment that really appealed to me. The people are wonderful, and they each bring their own level of expertise and experience to the company. I learned a tremendous amount from working directly with the people. Everyone treated me not as an intern, but as an engineer, and as a friend. Working for such a small company allowed me to see and work directly with every aspect of the business: sales and marketing, accounting, engineering, prototyping, and production. It gave me a much deeper understanding of the role of an engineer in a company.

I am currently attending Drexel University, pursuing a bachelor's degree in materials engineering and a master's degree in mechanical engineering. My projects at Boehringer were directly related to my interests and coursework. It was really exciting to be able to use what I learned in school and apply it to projects that directly affect the future of the company. I had the opportunity to see one of my projects develop from a collection of scribbled ideas on paper to a complete finished product. By working directly with the machinists, I was able to see how our ideas could be done, and which ones could not be done.

While working at Boehringer, I was given a list of projects to do. I was then given the freedom to pursue these projects in any way that I wanted. I was given the freedom to explore new ideas and be creative. I was given the freedom to really investigate and spend time with the current products, to gain a better understanding of how they work. This freedom was very beneficial and allowed me to learn a great deal more than I would have otherwise. If I needed help with something, I could ask, and people were eager to help.

This experience has really helped me grow as a person and as an engineer. I was exposed to all of the different products, and many different disciplines of engineering. I have learned much more than I expected to. I truly feel like I started as an uncertain student intern, and finished as an engineer.

Peter Kirkwood - July 1999

I am a Biomedical engineering major at RPI. I have been working at Boehringer Laboratories for the past 7 months. Boehringer is a privately owned medical device manufacturer and in my humble opinion a great place to co-op. Working here has been excellent experience. I have been involved in a wide range of different projects. Some of course were much more interesting than others but they all taught me something. I truly enjoyed learning about the a new project and becoming knowledgeable in the relevant state of the art. The company does have high expectations for results and maintains a large degree of accountability. Although that can cause more pressure I prefer this atmosphere because being held to a higher standard opens more opportunities.

Here I have been able to work independently on several projects which have considerable significance to the company. My most interesting project was a clinical trial of autotransfusion equipment in surgery. It was intense and rather stressful but incredibly fascinating. Spending time working in and around the OR gave me more insight into medical equipment and environments than academia ever could have. It certainly convinced me that this is the field I want to be in because there is always something new in medicine and new developments be of real benefit to the patient not just the economy.

Bryan Monro Armitage

My experience at Boehringer Laboratories has been an invaluable part of my education as an engineer. As a dual degree student pursuing a rigorous five-year program I had originally decided not to participate in the engineering cooperative program. It did not seem like I would have the time or interest to devote a semester to working away from school. When I first decided that I would participate in the program I did so to get away from Cornell for a semester. I now realize, that this decision, regardless of the motivation, was one of the best academic decisions that have made.

When I first arrived at Boehringer I did not know exactly what to expect. I knew that the person with whom I interviewed was energetic and enthusiastic about the company and from my two plant visits that this was not a company that was going to have me playing solitaire on a computer all day waiting for something to do. However, unlike courses at school, there was no definite course description and I wasn't quite sure of what I would be doing or what I was getting into.

My first day at work consisted of about a half hour of introduction and paper work, some of which lingered for the rest of the day as I had to fill out this form and that. Then I was introduced to the lab and the system I would be working with, consisting of an introduction to the problems involved in where we were in development and a few of the goals of where we wanted to be. That was about it for the training, a little more than an hour, and at that point I started down a 5 month road that at the time seemed very hazy, difficult, and exciting. I realized very quickly that this was not a place to sit and have people tell you what to do, rather, you were responsible for telling people what you wanted to do and they would help guide you.

My first few months came with many moments of joy and what usually seemed like many more of frustration. I was involved in a real engineering project with dozens more variables than I had ever dealt with at school. No longer was a solution as simple as "this works better". The questions, "How much will it cost?" "Can we mold that?" "Is it reliable?", "Is it user friendly?", and even sometimes "How does it look?", along with many more seemed to keep creeping in every time I would find something that I thought worked better. I started to realize that there was a big difference between engineering and just design. Someone once told me the engineering is the useful and cost effective application of scientific knowledge and theory. I started to see this more and more each day as we moved closer to releasing a product into the market place.

I also started to learn valuable lessons about how a company works and how to work with people. At school when you form a group to work on a project everyone has there own specialties that they are good or enjoy, but usually no one has a specific skill that they are trained to excel at above an beyond everyone else. Usually you are all on a somewhat similar level in most of the aspects of the project you are going to tackle. This is not the case in a company. For a simple example, engineers are not machinists and machinists are not engineers. You also have production workers, shop heads, secretaries, vendors, salesmen, and the list goes on. For each new group of people I needed to communicate with, I had to learn a new way of communicating, which in some cases seems like a whole new language. Communication became a key to accomplishing anything. Although this is in true in many group situations in the classroom setting, you rarely encounter the diversity of a work place environment.

I also found that communications was not just the key to accomplishing my own particular project but also was the key to getting involved in projects that were of interest to me. Many situations would arise where I would be interested in another aspect of the project and found that by voicing my interest and knowledge about this area I could acquire more responsibilities in an area that I was interested in pursuing. This led, in part, to my many travels out into the field to test the performance of our system and introduced another aspect of engineering not available at school, customer interaction. It was always challenging and exciting, never knowing quite what a new surgery or situation would bring and you always had to be quick on your feet to answer a question or tackle unexpected problems.

I feel that these first experiences prepared me for the even less constrained atmosphere that I am experiencing in returning for my second term here at Boehringer. I am learning how to work with little supervision and high accountability. Although confusing sometimes, the "open door" here allow me to talk to any number of people if I loose direction so that I may refocus my efforts or just to gain better insight into the problems I'm dealing with. I don't have someone standing over my shoulder telling me what I need to do to get my work done, what is the next step, when I should leave, or what exactly the y expect of me. I'm expected to perform as a professional engineer.

With my experiences here I feel that I'm better equipped to make a valuable contribution in my career after school. I have been able to pursue my own interests in aspects of engineering that are not available in a classroom setting, allowing me a better perspective of what I would like to do with my education. These experiences have also given me the confidence in knowing that I can perform as an engineer, this is something that I'm sure I would be questioning had I not taken the opportunity to challenge myself in a working environment.