Don't be nervous! Everyone has to start somewhere, and everyone else is nervous too. Be ready to learn, listen, and observe every day. And most of all, go for it!!
Name: Benjamin Tabor (Cohort 5)
Major: Chemical Engineering
Give a brief description of the experience.
During the summer of 2024 I was a Quality Engineering Intern at Saft Batteries. Luckily, Saft let me explore other areas of the business-like operations, too. I was fortunate enough to be able to do so many awesome things, like optimizing their industrial production lines uptime and downtime based on material availability, identifying and implementing lean manufacturing improvements to Saft's final inspection area, and modeling a future production line to determine the amount of handling and treating equipment required.
What was the most impactful part of the experience?
The most impactful part of the experience was seeing the reactions to the custom tooling I built for the quality inspectors. They absolutely loved it. It saved them a tiny bit of time, but what I think they really loved was the personal attention and having their own tools made custom for them. And I loved being able to deliver that to them!
What surprised you?
How imperfect businesses are shocked me. Going in, I thought every manufacturing company in existence must have 5% or lower scrap rate to even be in business. This is definitely not the case! I can't disclose Saft's actual scrap rate, but there are less months in a year than it...
Did you make any personal and/or professional connections with peers?
I made so many great connections. At least 10 people exchanged phone numbers with me, and I definitely plan to keep in touch long-term. I also got a verbal commitment that I would be able to come back in the winter and next summer for an internship if I desired!
What were your major takeaways? What did you learn?
My biggest takeaway was that it is important to come to work every day ready to learn and listen. The most valuable part was simply getting familiar with how businesses operate and the culture that exists within them.
How have your career or academic goals changed or evolved as a result of this experience?
This experience mainly served to solidify my desire to gradually shift into business roles once I graduate with my chemical engineering degree.
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