From Internship to Employment
When Hugo Danielsson first visited Shape as a secondary school student, an early interest in CAD design and technology was sparked. A few years later, he walked through the doors again – this time as an intern. This autumn, he will return once more, now as an employed colleague.
– I actually visited Shape back when I was in seventh or eighth grade, and I already thought CAD seemed really interesting back then, Hugo says.
Today, Hugo is 21 years old and studying to become a CAD designer through a higher vocational education program. After graduating from upper secondary school, he initially started studying engineering at university, but quickly realized that it was the practical and creative side of design and construction that appealed to him the most.
– I realized that working with CAD drawings was what I really wanted to do, so I chose a more hands-on educational path instead.
Outside of his studies, Hugo enjoys spending time at the gym and playing video games, but during his internship periods at Shape, the focus has been on something entirely different – turning theory into reality.
Two Internship Periods That Led to More
Hugo had the opportunity to complete both of his internship periods at Shape. During the first few weeks, he got the chance to familiarize himself with several of the software programs used within the company, including Inventor and Fluid Draw.
– Everyone here is really friendly, and I was welcomed very well by the team. There’s a great atmosphere, and you can really tell that the company cares about its employees.
And of course, there was one other detail that quickly stood out:
– I was a little surprised by how much fika there is… and the amount of candy everywhere, Hugo says with a laugh.
The explanation is simple. Since Shape works extensively with customers in the food industry, there are often product samples left over after test runs in the robotic cells.
From Drawings to Reality
During his internship, Hugo has been involved in a project that gave him both responsibility and valuable experience. He took part in developing a new standard model of Shape’s SRS de-stacker, the EP400.
– I got to be involved from start to finish. I designed parts of the construction and created pneumatic schematics, which was something I learned here at Shape rather than in school.
Completing both internship periods at the same company also proved to be especially valuable.
– During my second internship period, I got to see the cell being built in real life. It was really rewarding to see that what I had drawn actually worked in practice.
The difference between school and working life also became very clear.
– School gives you a broad foundation, but in reality, you work on much more unique projects.
“It Feels Like I Chose the Right Path”
For Hugo, his time at Shape has not only provided new knowledge – it has also confirmed that he chose the right career path.
– My internship at Shape has really shown me that this is what I want to work with in the future. It’s a great feeling to know that I chose the right education.
And the future is already decided. After graduating this summer, the next step is waiting.
– We’ll see each other again in August when I come back and officially join the team at Shape.
“It Feels Worth It”
An important part of a successful internship is good mentorship. During Hugo’s internship, Ola Thornell served as his supervisor and played an active role in his daily work.
– It has been great working with Hugo. He showed genuine interest and learned quickly. It’s no secret that having an intern requires extra time and effort, but in this case it truly feels worth it now that Hugo will continue with us as a colleague this autumn, says Ola.
At Shape, we see internships as more than just practical training. It is a way to contribute to future competence while also growing as a company and as colleagues. When motivated students are given the right support and opportunity to develop, something valuable is created for everyone involved – and sometimes it all begins with a school visit many years earlier.