“I enjoy the fact that all of the projects I have been working on are very different in nature. From collecting and analyzing STARprobe data, to learning and restructuring tank inventory procedures, to filming and editing a video for the plant’s 60th anniversary, I have constantly been working in a different area of the smelting process, with a different team.

Aside from helpful hints and general guidance, I have been set free to tackle any project how I best see fit, and, to me, that is the best way to learn. The culture has been great. Everyone is extremely helpful and always willing to take the time to explain things that I may not understand. The culture of safety here is also very impressive. While everyone is always working, nobody is afraid to stop or slow down when safety is at risk.

For me, the best part by far has simply been getting exposure to industry. Sitting through a class on heat transfer rates isn’t nearly as helpful as looking into a pot of molten aluminum and actually seeing it at work. It also gives a better idea to the scale of the numbers you are dealing with when you can see them in action.

It is tough to summarize my internship because I learned so much so fast. Anybody who does not jump at the opportunity to do an internship is certainly missing out. Just imagine when you graduate with your degree being almost an entire year ahead of other job seekers.”