Student Impressions: Valuable Insights from Engineering Practice
Marta Lalošević, a third-year undergraduate student at the Faculty of Civil Engineering, described her internship at Maljat Stone as a highly enriching experience. She believes it has significantly boosted her motivation and desire to continue expanding her engineering knowledge and skills. Her direct interaction with the industry allowed her to grasp the engineering profession's complexity and beauty.
Speaking for SmartWB website, Marta shared:
"I had the opportunity to see how a serious, well-organised company operates, and I truly believe that internships are incredibly valuable because they provide real-world experience that will be crucial when starting my first job."
Here are selected highlights from Marta’s internship report:
• Week 1: Office Operations
The internship began in the company’s office, where students observed the entire customer engagement cycle — from initial inquiries and customised offers to cost estimation and order processing for stone materials from the factory.
• Week 2: Factory Visit
The group visited the production facility, where raw stone blocks are delivered from the quarry. The process included initial cutting on gang saws, dimensioning on milling machines, and various surface finishes such as brushed “maljat” stone, matte, polished, bush-hammered, and antiqued textures. Finished products are then carefully packed and shipped to clients.
• Week 3: Quarry Operations
Students explored the quarry site and learned about two product types: construction-grade and architectural-grade stone. The extraction process was demonstrated, including blasting techniques and mechanical excavation using loaders and excavators. Advanced tools such as diamond wire saws and water cushion systems were showcased and used to safely detach stone from its natural bedrock. The group also reviewed the detailed mine development project prepared by a mining engineer.
• Week 4: Safety & Blasting Procedures
The final week included a workplace safety training session delivered by the Institute for Occupational Safety. The students then returned to the quarry to observe a live blasting operation. They followed the drilling of blast holes, loading with explosives (ammonium nitrate-based and nonel systems), and the sequential detonation process, all carefully coordinated and executed with safety as a top priority.
This experience is a testament to the transformative role of internships — not only as a bridge between academia and industry, but also as a source of inspiration for future professionals. Through hands-on learning, students like Marta gain invaluable insight into the real-world challenges and innovations shaping modern engineering.
