Hello, I hope you are well! You are in engineering school and you have internships to do as part of your course? Are you desperate to do that internship abroad to improve your language skills? Are you looking for a country that suits you perfectly but you are not sure where to turn? These are great questions! Today I’m going to tell you why doing your engineering internship in Lithuania is a great idea!
Why go to Lithuania for an engineering internship?
Lithuania offers a number of attractive advantages for engineering students looking for a rewarding work placement. Here are just a few reasons why:
Quality of education: Lithuania is renowned for its high-quality education system, offering solid, recognised engineering programmes. The country’s universities and higher education establishments are equipped with modern infrastructure and competent teaching staff, guaranteeing high-quality training for future engineers.
Professional opportunities: Lithuania is home to a growing number of national and international companies in various engineering sectors. This creates interesting internship opportunities in fields such as mechanical engineering, electronic engineering, information technology, renewable energy and many others. Interns have the chance to work on real projects, gain practical experience and broaden their technical skills.
Affordable cost of living: Lithuania offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to many other European countries. Interns can benefit from affordable accommodation, reasonably priced meals and other more accessible living expenses, making it easier to manage their budget during the internship period.
Culture and diversity: Lithuania has a rich history, vibrant culture and beautiful diversity. Interns have the opportunity to explore Vilnius, the dynamic capital, with its medieval charm, lively festivals and cultural venues. They can also discover unspoilt natural landscapes, local traditions and warm Lithuanian hospitality.
Professional network: Doing an internship in Lithuania gives you the opportunity to establish links with professionals in the engineering sector, make useful contacts and develop your professional network. These connections can be invaluable for a future career in engineering, whether in Lithuania or abroad.
In short, going to Lithuania for an engineering internship offers high-quality learning opportunities, practical work experience, enriching cultural immersion and the chance to build a solid professional network. The combination of these benefits makes Lithuania an attractive choice for engineering students looking to gain valuable experience in their field.
What field should you choose for your engineering internship in Lithuania?
In Lithuania, you will have the opportunity to do an engineering placement in a variety of fields.
Lithuania has a number of significantly represented engineering fields. Here are some of the major engineering fields present in the country:
- Mechanical engineering: Mechanical engineering is an important field in Lithuania. Lithuanian companies are involved in the design, manufacture and maintenance of machinery and mechanical equipment. This includes sectors such as machinery manufacturing, automotive, aerospace, shipbuilding and energy production.
- Electrical and electronic engineering: Lithuania has significant expertise in the field of electrical and electronic engineering. Lithuanian engineers are involved in fields such as power electronics, embedded systems, industrial automation, telecommunications and renewable energies.
- Information technology and computing: Lithuania is renowned for its expertise in information technology and computing. Lithuanian engineers are active in software development, cyber security, artificial intelligence, information systems, networks and communications.
- Civil engineering and construction: Civil engineering and construction play an important role in Lithuania, with the construction of infrastructure projects, residential and commercial buildings, roads, bridges and other structures.
- Environmental engineering and renewable energies: Given its commitment to sustainable development, Lithuania is increasingly focusing on environmental engineering and renewable energies. Lithuanian engineers work on projects related to waste management, environmental protection, renewable energy and energy efficiency.
These fields represent a significant part of the engineering sector in Lithuania, but it should be noted that other engineering fields, such as chemical engineering, biomedical engineering and materials engineering, are also present, although perhaps to a slightly lesser extent.
What advice do you have for integrating into a company in Lithuania?
Here are some useful tips for successfully integrating into a company in Lithuania:
- Learn the culture and standards: Take the time to familiarise yourself with the corporate culture in Lithuania. Find out about professional standards, values and common expectations. This will help you adapt more easily and understand interactions in the workplace.
- Learning the language: Although many companies in Lithuania use English as their working language, it is always beneficial to learn a few words and expressions in Lithuanian. This shows your willingness to integrate and communicate with your colleagues. Learning a few basic phrases can also make day-to-day interactions easier.
- Respect schedules: In Lithuania, punctuality is an important value. Make sure you arrive on time for meetings and respect deadlines. This shows your commitment to the job and your respect for your colleagues and superiors.
- Establish professional relationships: Professional relationships are important in Lithuania. Take the time to introduce yourself to your colleagues, take part in team activities and get involved in projects. Be polite, respectful and open to collaboration. Forging positive links with your colleagues can make it easier for you to integrate and adapt to the working environment.
- Be open to Lithuanian culture: Lithuania has a unique and rich culture. Show an interest in local culture, traditions and customs. Take part in social events or celebrations to better understand and appreciate life in Lithuania. This can also help you get closer to your colleagues and develop friendly relationships.
- Ask for advice: Don’t hesitate to ask your colleagues or supervisor for advice on how to better integrate and succeed in your working environment. Lithuanians are generally willing to help and share their knowledge.
By following these tips, you can make your integration into a company in Lithuania easier and create positive relationships with your colleagues. Being respectful, open-minded and willing to learn will help you feel at ease and flourish in your new professional environment.
Lithuania as a differentiating factor on your CV
Lithuania is a country where it’s less common than others to do a work placement abroad! HR or a recruiter is bound to be interested and intrigued by this choice of destination, more so than if you were to do it in Malta or Spain. Doing your engineering placement in Lithuania means getting out of your comfort zone, taking a little risk and discovering working techniques that are different from those in France. By choosing Lithuania as your engineering internship destination, you’re showing your willingness to step out of your comfort zone, take a little risk and discover new opportunities.
By opting for Lithuania, you are demonstrating your open-mindedness and your desire to discover working techniques that are different from those you may have experienced in France. You’ll be exposed to a different working environment, which will help you to develop your adaptability, flexibility and intercultural skills.
What’s more, doing your engineering internship in Lithuania can offer you unique advantages, such as the opportunity to work on innovative projects, learn new working methods and collaborate with Lithuanian professionals who have specific expertise. This experience will broaden your perspective and give you valuable skills that can set you apart on the job market.
In short, choosing Lithuania as the destination for your engineering internship is a bold decision that shows your willingness to explore new opportunities and broaden your horizons. It demonstrates your ability to take initiative and your willingness to adapt to new environments, which can attract the interest of recruiters and strengthen your professional profile.
Now you have all the information you need to do your engineering placement in Lithuania! I hope I’ve been able to help you in your search and answer any questions you might have. The International Horizons team will be delighted to help you make your plans for an internship abroad a reality, so don’t hesitate to contact us! And for more information about your work placement in Lithuania, we’ve got lots of blogs, including one on tips for going on a work placement abroad or on places, towns and countries to visit from Vilnius!
For more general questions, visit the International Horizons Internships Abroad FAQ.