Stone W. Pixley
Steel Dynamics Inc. - Structural and Rail Division
This past summer, I had the wonderful opportunity to work as a safety intern at Steel Dynamics Inc. (SDI) – Structural and Rail Division in Columbia City, Ind. Working within the safety department at SDI gave me valuable insight into what a full-time safety career in the steel industry could look like. I had the flexibility to move from department to department, completing projects while also shadowing different areas of the mill. This experience helped me develop a better understanding of each department and how they work together to keep the mill operating efficiently and safely.
During my internship, I had the opportunity to take part in a variety of projects. I was given the responsibility of taking the lead on many of these projects, which allowed me to approach them in my own way while learning from the challenges and mistakes I encountered along the way. One of my larger projects involved creating a map of all the AEDs on the property and simulating emergency response times in the surrounding areas. This project gave me the opportunity to work closely with both the safety and nursing teams in a collaborative effort. I also participated in several smaller projects, including revamping the fruit program as part of the summer hydration program at Structural and Rail. As part of this project, I helped coordinate the transition from fresh fruit to no-sugar-added fruit cups. This change provided an option that was longer-lasting, more cost-effective and easier to manage.
During my time with SDI, I also had the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of how the company operates on a daily basis. I learned about its history, how it has grown over the years, and the values and principles that have contributed to its success. I also had the chance to experience SDI's culture firsthand. One important part of that culture is Take Control of Safety, or TCOS. Learning about TCOS and the initiatives surrounding it showed me how seriously safety is taken by everyone at SDI and how each employee plays an important role in maintaining a safe workplace.
Overall, this summer has helped me tremendously in deciding where I want to end up after college. My experience at SDI has reinforced my interest in pursuing a career in the steel industry, particularly in the field of safety. I am extremely thankful for the experiences and knowledge I gained during my time at SDI, as well as the people who took the time to teach and mentor me throughout the summer. I also would like to thank the AIST Foundation, who have made opportunities like the Steel Intern Scholarships possible for those interested in a career in the steel industry. I am excited to continue building on these experiences and hope to find an opportunity to begin my career in the steel industry after graduation.