When Vince Zamora first joined EMAG as an intern in 2022, the office was still quiet from the effects of COVID-19. But even in those early days, one thing was clear – this was a place where young engineers could gain real experience, take ownership of their work and grow alongside a supportive team. Today, Vince is a full-time mechanical engineer at EMAG, and his journey from co-op student to team member highlights the value of hands-on learning and a company culture built on collaboration.
Finding the Right Fit
Vince attended Kettering University, where he studied mechanical engineering as part of the school’s renowned co-op rotation program. His internship search led him to EMAG – not far from home and already well-connected with Kettering through its job board, job fairs and internship program.
“As a requirement of graduation, I needed to complete 5 work rotations or 15 months of full-time work,” Vince explains. “EMAG’s relationship with Kettering and its proximity made it a natural fit.”
Learning by Doing
Vince’s internship kicked off with a variety of foundational tasks – from making blueprints to supporting the engineering team with design work. Over time, his role grew alongside the company’s post-COVID rebound, giving him more responsibility each year.
He even completed his thesis through EMAG, developing a conceptual layout for a laser welding machine using a robotic cell – designed with the potential to be implemented in the future.
“I really appreciated how hands-on the experience was,” Vince says. “The projects helped me connect classroom concepts with real-world applications.”
That practical exposure came with its fair share of lessons: learning to communicate clearly, asking the right questions and developing the patience to solve problems – especially when things didn’t go according to plan.
“There were definitely times where miscommunication led to frustration,” he admits. “But I learned how to take a step back, reassess the situation, and move forward. That’s where the real growth happens.”
From his manager’s perspective, that growth was clear. “When Vince first started at EMAG, he wasn’t very familiar with our complex machines or processes, which can be tricky and hard to learn,” recalls Marco Weigele, Engineering Manager. “It was awesome to see how he picked up more and more throughout each work term. He went from helping with small tasks and updating drawings to designing full pallet solutions and making complete machine layouts.”
Choosing to Stay
After 3.5 years of rotating between school and work – accumulating about 21 months of experience – Vince officially joined EMAG full time.
“There were a few things that really influenced by decision to stay,” he says. “I get along really well with the team, I feel like my work is valued and I was excited to take on more responsibility.”
As a full-time engineer, Vince’s day-to-day is project-based, often jumping between tasks as priorities shift. “It’s a bit like playing whack-a-mole,” he laughs. “But it keeps things interesting.”
One of the biggest changes since going full time? The relief of job security – and the freedom to invest more deeply in longer-term projects. He’s also had the opportunity to introduce new tools and skills that have helped improve the team’s capabilities.
“Vince was always eager to dive into new challenges and learn from design experiences,” Marco adds. “On his thesis, he worked very independently and brought his own ideas into how to realize a fully automated robotic cell. It was a great accomplishment and something we can now present to customers as an automation option.”
A Culture That Encourages Growth
What stood out most to Vince during his internship, and continues to today, is EMAG’s culture.
“It’s friendly, collaborative and people genuinely care about each other,” he shares. “Even when I was still in school, the team would check in, offer support and share their knowledge. There’s a constant motivation to improve – not just the machines, but ourselves and how we work as a team.”
That mentorship is something that EMAG intentionally builds into its internship program. “It’s important to make sure our interns are part of the team from the start,” Marco explains. “We pair them with more experienced employees, take time to show them how our systems and machines work, and guide them along the way. That mentorship is fundamental to their success.”
Vince has even had the chance to collaborate with interns from other schools and from Germany, gaining insight into global perspectives within the company. He’s also continuing to learn, recently attending a supplier-led training in metal-cutting technologies and making plans to broaden his understanding of how EMAG’s systems work beyond the mechanical side.
Looking Ahead
As Vince looks to the future, he’s excited to keep developing – both professionally and personally.
“I’m working toward taking the Mechanical Engineering exam to solidify everything I’ve learned,” he says. “I also want to better understand EMAG’s machines as a whole, not just from a mechanical standpoint.”
Now that he’s full time, he’s taking on projects from start to finish and even working more directly with customers – something he’s eager to explore further.
“It’s OK to make mistakes here,” Vince says. “That’s one of the best ways to learn. And having a team that supports you through that makes all the difference.”
Words of Advice
For any engineering students considering an internship at EMAG, Vince has simple but valuable advice:
“The longer you stay, the more you’ll learn – and the more responsibility you’ll be given. You’ll gain industry knowledge that you just can’t get in a classroom. Plus, you get to work with people across the world and departments like purchasing, production and service, which gives you a much broader understanding of how everything comes together.”
And if he could go back and tell his past self one thing?
“Don’t be afraid to ask questions or make mistakes. Keep a detailed log of your projects – it’ll help you later. And take full advantage of all the resources around you.”
EMAG’s leadership sees this as one of the key benefits of their engineering internship program.
“It’s a great way to introduce students to real-world engineering,” Marco says. “They gain experience, develop technical skills and learn how the organization works over time. And for EMAG, it allows us to train and develop future talent who are already familiar with our systems. The transition to full-time is so much smoother when the foundation is already in place.”
Life Beyond Engineering
When he’s not at work, Vince enjoys giving back to his community, attending car shows and working on his own vehicles. He’s also a big fan of family time – especially up north where he can spend time hiking and kayaking.
As for favorite EMAG memories? The annual Christmas party ranks high on the list: “It’s a great time to pause, celebrate the year’s accomplishments and enjoy some good food – and of course, the German beer.”
And yes, there was that one time he accidently broke three computers and had to tell EMAG’s IT Manager, Bjorn. “Let’s just say it was a learning experience,” he jokes.
From breaking into the industry during a challenging time to finding a permanent place on the team, Vince’s story is a great example of what’s possible when early-career engineers are empowered to grow. His journey reflects not just his personal drive, but the kind of opportunity EMAG offers those willing to learn, adapt and take initiative.
And he’s got one more recent milestone worth celebrating:
“I finally got to move my desk to face the window,” Vince says with a smile. “It’s the little things.”
