Meet Claudia Hu
Claudia Hu is studying for a master’s degree in Power Engineering at the Southeast University in China. She is one of the incoming students in the Global Industrial Internship Program that is run by the Industrial Technique Business Area. One of her exciting projects during the internship is focused on markets for new energy vehicles.
May 2021
Education: Studying a master in Power Engineering, Southeast University, China
Country of placement: China
Division during internship: Motor Vehicle Industry
Field of work: Marketing
Interests: Traveling, photography and making handcrafts.
During the Global Industrial Internship Claudia will work in Atlas Copco’s Motor Vehicle Industry division in Shanghai, China. A big focus during the internship is to analyze the new energy vehicle market, she will also participate in a joint project with a few of her fellow international students in the program. This global project is focused on business models for software selling within manufacturing.
A great complement to her studies
Claudia explains that there are many reasons for applying to the Global Industrial Internship Program. “The two projects that I will take part in during the internship are highly relevant for what I’m currently studying at university. To receive professional training and guidance from experienced managers is also something I find important for my own personal development,” she says and adds that the internship is a great chance to work with peers from different countries.
Checking-in during summer
July 2021
Can you tell us about your tasks and experiences in the internship so far? What are your project goals? What are the biggest challenges?
The goal of the global business project is to optimize Atlas Copco’s software sales business model by investigating successful cases and benchmarks in the field. This is all based on a clear understanding of existing software and on the current business model in the company. So far, my group has successfully completed some tasks, including an investigation of Atlas Copco’s offering as well as its current business model. We have done this by interviewing internal people and by benchmarking through desktop research.
I think the division of work in the group has been very equal and we’re completing each step of our common project in an orderly and structured way. For me, the biggest challenge in the global internship project has been to further investigate benchmark companies as much of the critical information is not available on their websites.
When it comes to my local project in China, the purpose here is to enable Atlas Copco to get better involved in the new energy vehicle industry, through a comprehensive understanding of the current new energy vehicle market and by mapping potential customers. For me, this includes updating of and improving a new energy vehicle market analysis report. I am mainly responsible for the research of three modules: power management, auxiliary driving and charging facilities. Next, I will carry out research on their station application.
So far, me and another intern have completed investigations and surveys for each module and have also done a preliminary customer mapping. I think the biggest challenge relating to this task is that I lacked knowledge about new energy vehicles in the beginning, but I have overcome this with great support from my managers and colleagues.
Who are you interacting with in Atlas Copco?
On a global basis, I have many interactions with the project sponsor and with my mentor. They guide us in what tasks we should do and give good feedback with suggestions on what to improve ones we have completed them. I also frequently communicate with my colleagues here in China. Both on the progress of my local projects, and on the global one. They give a lot of valuable guidance and support.
What have you learned about our culture and values so far?
In terms of the industrial technique field that I’m working in, I have learned that Atlas Copco helps industry customers in all stages of their production processes through advanced and intelligent assembly solutions. From the design and validation of prototypes to assembly, obtaining of data, and the use of data to create value. The people are friendly, hard-working, and good at attracting customers.
August 2021
Checking-in after completed business project
How did the project turn out?
I think it went well, after four months of hard work my team members and I completed a successful project delivery.
How was the internship experience as a whole?
It was a challenging and valuable experience. In our project group, the division of tasks and work between the members was very clear, and when someone encountered difficulties, we all supported each other. One example of good teamwork was when finalizing the financial effects of our business model. Here we all pitched in, along with our project sponsor and mentor, to help improve the end results.
What’s it like working at Atlas Copco?
The atmosphere here Atlas Copco is relaxed and managers are helpful and supportive, my overall feeling is that things are great.
Will this internship help you in your future career?
Yes, this internship has not only given me valuable work experience but has also helped to broaden my horizon. These are two things which I believe will be of great help to my future career.
What are your main learnings and takeaways from the program?
I have gained a comprehensive understanding of the topic "business models for software selling in manufacturing". My oral skills in English have also improved through plenty of collaboration with international colleagues and team members.
