Intern Spotlight: Patrick McNeil – A Look into the Paragraf Internship Experience
At Paragraf, we believe in offering our interns a hands-on experience that helps shape their future career paths. Patrick McNeil, an intern with the graphene Hall sensor (GHS) team, shares his journey with us—from his background in Chemistry at Strathclyde University to his time working on Paragraf’s Hall sensors. Here’s a closer look at Patrick’s internship experience.
Patrick, currently in his fourth year of Chemistry at Strathclyde University, joined Paragraf as part of his university course. The appeal of working at Paragraf stemmed from its cutting-edge technology and the opportunity to engage with new ideas in a rapidly advancing field. “I think the experience you can get from that is brilliant,” says Patrick, “I’m really interested in solid-state chemistry, so it seemed like the ideal option for me.”
Work environment
Reflecting on his time at Paragraf, Patrick shares that the relaxed yet hardworking atmosphere was one of the highlights. “I thought it would be more uptight, but it’s actually very chilled,” he says. “You still work hard, but the environment doesn’t feel pressured. I was surprised by how easy-going it was, which made it a really positive experience.”
Patrick also highlights the support he received throughout his internship. “I’ve never felt like I couldn’t ask for help. I’ve always been able to get the support I need, and it’s a very welcoming and inclusive environment here,” he shares.
New skills and personal growth
During his internship, Patrick gained valuable hands-on lab experience that he could not get in a university setting. “I’ve had the chance to work in a cleanroom, operate a glovebox, and gain exposure to electronics—skills I hadn’t learned before. I’ve also become more confident in presenting my work and analysing data, which has prepared me for the next step in my career.”
Thriving through challenges
The challenges Patrick faced, particularly with complex scientific problems and unexpected results, were welcomed as opportunities for growth. “There are a lot of smart people here, which can make things challenging at times. But the problem-solving aspect has been really fun. It’s great to be able to collaborate with experts and have my suggestions taken seriously, even when working alongside people with PhDs.”
The social side of Paragraf
Beyond the work, Patrick found the social aspect of Paragraf to be equally rewarding. “The after-work clubs, like football and Dungeons & Dragons, have been a lot of fun. I even walked barefoot on hot coals for Magpas, Paragraf’s chosen charity for 2024—it was a very memorable experience!”
A future at Paragraf?
When asked whether he would consider working at Paragraf in the future, Patrick was enthusiastic: “Absolutely. It’s been really good. The work environment is very friendly, and I think they give you a lot of free rein. I felt trusted to take on responsibility with my projects and explore new ideas. It has been a great learning experience, and I feel I was really making a difference.”
Advice for future interns
Patrick’s advice to future interns? Don’t be afraid to ask questions. “There’s someone here who’s an expert on anything you need help with. Don’t hesitate to talk to people—everyone’s super friendly and supportive. It’s the best way to learn and get the most out of your internship.”
A Word to Describe Paragraf
When asked to sum up his experience at Paragraf in one word, Patrick didn’t hesitate: “Innovative.”
Patrick’s experience at Paragraf reflects the supportive, innovative, and exciting environment we aim to provide for our interns. We’re proud to have helped him develop both professionally and personally, and we look forward to seeing where his career will take him after graduation.
If you’re considering an internship with Paragraf, take it from Patrick: it’s a chance to learn, grow, and be part of something truly cutting-edge.
