Academic-Industry Partnership Fuels Student Success: MIT Graduate Secures Full-Time Role with WM New Zealand

27/09/24

Raynil Ram, a recent graduate of MIT, has secured full-time employment with WM New Zealand (formerly Waste Management New Zealand), thanks to the collaboration of the MIT's External Engagement and Academic teams.

MIT is actively participating in a national research project focused on advancing electrified heavy transport technology including, high temperature superconductors, and cryogenic systems.

As part of this initiative, MIT Tech Park developed a course on High Power Electric Motors for Transportation where ākonga get invaluable knowledge and hands-on experience while working on the latest technology.

One of the roles of the external engagement team is to build connections with industry partners to provide scholarship assistance and funded internship opportunities for ākonga in related fields across MIT.

Earlier this year, MIT Tech Park leveraged its partnership with WM New Zealand to provide real-world experience for its ākonga. Raynil Ram, then a final year ākonga studying towards a Diploma in Electrical Engineering, secured a funded internship with the company through this initiative.

"Ray joined our team temporarily as an intern. His work ethic, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills in EV diagnostics and circuit design quickly proved him to be an asset to our team in the EV and Innovations Hub," says his hiring manager Ashley Devonport.

Impressed by his dedication and technical skills, Waste Management offered Raynil a position as an Engineering Technician. Starting this June, he joined the company full-time while continuing his studies towards a bachelor's degree at MIT part-time.

"The internship through MIT was a vital part to landing a full-time job even before finishing my diploma. The education provided at MIT was highly applicable to my role at WM,” Raylin says.

Nick Kusari, Principal Lecturer, MIT School of Engineering says national projects like these attract the next generation of aspiring engineers.

"This collaboration enables us to integrate cutting-edge technology with practical industry solutions, benefiting both the community and industry partners," he says.

Dr. Alireza Gheitasi, a lecturer with the school noted that the industry internship opportunities developed by the external engagement team have sparked a healthy competition among ākonga.

"Those who have participated in these internships return with incredible stories and valuable industry connections, benefiting both their peers and lecturers.

"Our strong industry connections with employer partners allow us to offer our ākonga with a wide range of opportunities for placements and career choices," Gheitasi says.

Raynil's journey from internship to a full-time engineering technician showcases the success of MIT’s initiatives in developing industry-ready talent and fostering strong industry partnerships.