Author: Kylie Creasser
When UNC Charlotte student Nishal Hettiarachchi boarded a plane to Colombo, Sri Lanka, he wasn’t just traveling 9,000 miles; he was taking the next step in his journey to becoming a biomedical engineer.
With support from the Career Center’s Summer Internship Scholarship, Nishal joined the biomedical team at Nawaloka Hospitals, where he spent the summer repairing life-saving machines and gaining a global perspective on his career.
The Path to an International Internship
Through a mutual connection, Nishal was introduced to Dr. Lal Chandrasena at Nawaloka Hospitals and Nawaloka Construction. After sharing his resume and prior work experience, he was offered the chance to join the biomedical engineering team.
The Summer Internship Scholarship made the opportunity possible by covering his $2,000 plane ticket. “I wouldn’t have been able to afford that plane ticket otherwise,” Nishal said.
Keeping Hospital Technology Running
As an Intern Biomedical Engineer, Nishal worked on servicing smaller machines such as infusion pumps and patient monitors, while also assisting with the maintenance of larger equipment, including MRI scanners, CT scanners, and X-Ray machines.
“In a hospital, time is very important,” Nishal explained. “When some machines break, they need to be replaced quickly to ensure that the patient isn’t affected. Having an extra person in the department made everything run more smoothly.”
Building Skills Across Borders
Nishal’s internship wasn’t only about technical work; it was also about adapting and growing as a professional in a new cultural setting.
“I had to communicate in two languages and get used to British English,” he said. “Throughout this internship, I had to change my ways of thinking and approach to some conversations and subjects because, after all, it is another country. And this well-rounded experience will be very important for me in the future.”
Networking was another highlight. Nishal connected with seasoned professionals, some with more than 30 years of experience, across both the hospital and construction divisions. These relationships, he noted, will have a lasting impact on his career goals.
Service and Leadership Beyond Campus
This wasn’t Nishal’s first time learning through hands-on experience. He previously interned with the CMPD Metro Division, where he shadowed officers on patrol and helped with tasks such as radio calls and bodycam files. He also co-founded 3Helpers, a food donation drive with his twin sister during the COVID-19 pandemic that provided meals to more than 100 homeless people in Charlotte.
Nishal will continue to pursue a career in biomedical engineering because of these experiences abroad and right here in Charlotte.
Advice for Fellow Students
For students hesitant about pursuing an internship, Nishal emphasizes preparation and courage:
“Keeping a resume and a list of past experience can come very handy so that when you are on your internship search they are always ready. Another thing is it feels scary at first to do an internship but it really builds your character and helps your social skills that you will eventually need.”
Looking ahead, Nishal plans to continue working with the Career Center on resume building and future opportunities as he pursues his dream of becoming a biomedical engineer. His internship abroad has given him both the confidence and connections to take his next steps.