Camden A. Judson
Steel Dynamics Inc. - Heartland Division
After my first internship with Steel Dynamics Inc. – Flat Roll Group Heartland Division I began to realize I was more interested in the steel industry than I had previously thought. Throughout my experiences, I recognized applications of the material I was learning through my coursework that were also present in everyday operations. Topics such as heat transfer, changes in the mechanical properties of metals through cold rolling and annealing processes, and process energy requirements are a few examples of concepts I noticed the earliest. I could identify many examples the longer I looked around the plant.
After a few weeks had passed, I began to explore the sales and plant operation aspects of the facility. I became fascinated with how the moving parts of production created a massive team striving for the same goals. While I was open-minded to other industries outside of steel for my next internship following my junior year, I found myself the most drawn to what I saw at SDI.
Both of my internships in the steel industry have given me several rewarding experiences that have taught me not only about the industry, but also about how to develop professional skills that are useful in every industry. I have been able to have casual conversations and work through projects with expert operators, attend morning supervisor meetings, and sit in on weekly group discussions regarding the plant’s production status. I had many opportunities to be assigned to impactful projects for the facility that the full-time staff simply hadn’t had the availability to pursue. Projects like brainstorming ideas with my manager to improve wax filtration on the paint line, establishing an electronic equipment inspection system to assist the safety team, and improving the performance of equipment in the coil packaging department. Rather than being assigned “busy work” and not being given many chances to grow, I was challenged and gained experience you can only take away from an industrial environment.
After learning about steel and seeing what all goes into these organizations, I have developed a strong interest in entering the industry full-time following graduation. When I am searching for opportunities next year, I am confident that several steel companies will be at the top of my list. Being with SDI has given me exposure to several benefits of working in the industry, examples of daily issues that need troubleshooting, and an idea of what a career starting in a full-time position would look like. I am eager for upcoming conversations regarding the start of my professional career and what possibilities lie ahead. Overall, I am grateful to Steel Dynamics and the industry overall for giving me experience and helping me build a strong background.