Gursimar Singh Ply is currently in the fourth year of a BSc in Computing in Software Development at Dundalk Institute of Technology. When the opportunity came up to secure a work placement at ABB Pulp & Paper R&D in Dundalk, he grabbed it with both hands.
“Since my early years in college, I had always envisioned myself working in an R&D environment, where creativity meets technical expertise to solve real-world challenges” explains Gursimar. “The idea of contributing to cutting-edge developments, particularly in a field as important as industrial automation and process control, filled me with a sense of purpose. Over the last few years in particular, I’ve also cultivated a deep interest in technology, programming, and the process of innovation.”
“The prospect of joining ABB, which is renowned for its leadership in technology solutions, was a dream come true.”
Upon starting his placement, Gursimar was both excited, and determined to make the most of it. However, he also had some reservations – which he mostly kept to himself. “Coming straight from my third year at the college, I did have my doubts about whether I would be able to contribute meaningfully in such a dynamic and professional setting” says Gursimar. “The thought of working alongside experienced engineers and developers was both exciting and intimidating. I questioned if I had the technical expertise or the confidence to provide genuinely valuable input.”
“However, those doubts quickly faded thanks to the incredibly supportive environment at ABB. From the very beginning, I found myself surrounded by a team of professionals who were not only knowledgeable, but also approachable and willing to share their expertise. ABB’s collaborative culture made it easy to ask questions, seek guidance, and even take ownership of tasks early on in the placement.”
Gursimar also quickly found that he wasn’t just shadowing senior engineers or performing mundane tasks. The work he was doing made a genuine difference. “Before starting my placement, I imagined myself working closely with senior engineers and software developers to create and implement new tools and technologies that could enhance Pulp & Paper processes. However I thought my contributions would generally be limited to watching others, or doing paperwork.”
“Instead, I was encouraged from the outset to actively participate in projects, share my ideas during design meetings, and even take the lead on certain aspects of software development. This level of involvement boosted my confidence significantly, and allowed me to develop a deeper understanding of the industry.”
Reflecting on his year with ABB, Gursimar sees it as a transformative period in his life. “It’s been a journey of learning, growth, and discovery. The supportive environment, hands-on experience, and opportunities to contribute to real-world projects have all significantly enhanced my technical skills. They’ve also deepened my understanding of how software development as a discipline can drive innovation in industrial automation.”
“This experience has not only strengthened by passion for software development, but also given me the confidence to pursue a career where I can continue to make meaningful contributions to driving technology forward”.
