Students presented their thesis projects to employers

120 students at the School of Engineering (JTH) Jönköping University (JU) participated in the so called Xjobbsmässan at Campus Arena on 30 May. There were also many companies on site.

“The School of Engineering is a great recruiting base for us and it's fun to see the students' final thesis projects,” says Mikael Siebers, HR Business Partner at Saab Training & Simulation in Huskvarna.

The Final Thesis Fair, Xjobbsmässan, is a meeting place for students and companies where many conversations are held and contacts are made. The students present their thesis projects and companies can find future employees and get inspiration for new ideas.

One of the participants was Ellen Carlsson, who has studied the programme Embedded systems: Software Development and Mobile Platforms at JTH. She has developed an app for the Apple Watch that translates sign language into text and sound while making signs with the hands.

“For example, when I make the sign for "sad", it says "sad" on the clock and that it is heard in the clock's speakers,” says Ellen Carlsson.

Can be difficult to feel included

The target group for the product is anyone who wants to be able to communicate in a simple way with those who do not know sign language. Today, there are only seven words entered into the app, but as more words are added, it should also be possible to have longer conversations using it.

“There are quite a few people who speak sign language, and it can be difficult for them to feel included in spoken conversations. Hopefully this app can make it easier for them,” says Ellen.

She says that the app could also be used in phones and other smart watches.

Lighting for prams

Julia Turesson and Louisa Baker, who have studied the Mechanical Engineering: Product Development and Industrial Design programme have developed a lighting accessory for Thule prams.

“They saw that there was a demand for increased visibility for their prams, so we were commissioned to come up with a proposal for that. There are no laws about requirements for reflectors on pushchairs and even if you have them, they are only visible when you illuminate them. With these lights, strollers can be seen well in the dark. The users we've talked to want something that's easy to put on the stroller, that's easy to see in the dark, and that doesn't draw too much attention during the day when not in use. We think we have succeeded in that,” says Julia Turesson.

The lights are powered by a powerbank that you can put in a pocket on the trolley, so it's not an expensive solution either.

“It is at concept level so far, but Thule has said that they will work further on our idea. We really believe in this product and hope it makes it to the market. Safety and children really go hand in hand, and it has been so much fun working with a product you can relate to and understand the need for. We have worked hard for this and received a good response both here at the fair and when we tested the lamps outdoors,” says Louisa Baker.

Win-win situation

Mikael Siebers, HR Business Partner at Saab Training & Simulation in Huskvarna, says that they have recruited many students who have done final thesis jobs or NFK internships with them.

“It's a win-win situation. The JTH students are very driven and curious and contribute inspiration and many ideas. It will be an energy boost into our business, while at the same time they will get an anchor for us and the practical part of a company,” says Mikael Siebers.

He says that Saab Training & Simulation in Huskvarna is in an expansive phase and that the fair is a great opportunity for them to meet and make contacts with students.

“Our entire company thinks it's incredibly fun to welcome students to our business and that we get to have this exchange between academia and business,” says Mikael Siebers.

"You are impressed every time"

Patrik Cannmo, Associate Dean of Education at JTH, mentions that many of the students' final thesis jobs are a gateway to jobs for the students and a way for companies to recruit new staff.

“When you go around and ask the students what they are going to do now that they have finished their studies, half of them say that they are going to start working at the company where they did their ex-job. We have organized the Final Thesis Fair since 2012 and you are impressed every time how talented our students are and what good results they achieve,” says Patrik Cannmo.