AIST Foundation Steel Intern Scholarshp
Haden A. Smith
This summer, I had the opportunity to work at Steel Dynamics – Flat Roll Group in Butler, Ind. As a sophomore studying mechanical engineering, this was my first steel manufacturing internship, and I am incredibly grateful for the experience. I spent my time in the cold mill working on the continuous galvanizing lines under Jack Oaks as a mechanical engineering intern.
I was able to work on many projects, some of which I couldn’t see finished and implemented. One project, however, that I was able to see completed was the modification of one of our scrap chutes. The issues we were having with scrap slowing down on the chute and clogging up the chute was something I was able to witness in real time go from an inconvenience to a major issue. I was given the opportunity to make this project my own and implement a solution. I was able to approach the issue theoretically, and I was given freedom to physically inspect it; I spent time with operators who worked most closely with it and with peers to brainstorm solutions. I gained experience working with contractors to bring solutions to life. In the end, we were able to improve operator efficiency, reduce line downtime and help mitigate safety concerns. It was an incredible opportunity to be able to have my own ideas implemented and create improvements.
Aside from larger projects, I was able to spend time developing fundamental skills that are much more difficult to learn in the classroom. I was able to greatly improve my understanding of different types of prints and how they relate to one another and my organizational skills, especially for larger projects over a longer period of time. Besides enhancing technical skills, my ability to communicate benefited greatly from my time here this summer.
I am very thankful for the opportunity I was given at Steel Dynamics to be around people with much more experience, and to spend the summer learning as much as I could from people who have a passion to help and share knowledge. I am confident that my experience here will improve my abilities, not only as an engineer, but as a worker in everything I do. I am also very grateful for the support given by AIST, both for financial assistance and for helping solidify my resolve to continue in the steel industry.