Zach T. Sennetti
Steel Dynamics Inc.- Southwest - Sinton Division
Working with Steel Dynamics over the summer as a metallurgy intern has been phenomenal. With something new happening every day, I am able to find a balance between working with my hands and working at a computer. Interns are given the chance to take on their own projects, and it is this responsibility that lets me perform different tasks, from sample preparation and mechanical testing to characterization and data analysis.
Steel Dynamics has provided me with many opportunities to gain real experience. I have received thorough training and access to equipment so that I can build skills for the future. Attending the company picnic was a great opportunity to spend time with new friends outside the mill and hear from chief executive officer Mark Millett. Additionally, I joined interns from across the nation at the Intern Extravaganza event, hosted in Fort Wayne, Ind. 
We toured different Steel Dynamics facilities, starting upstream at the OmniSource scrap yard, continuing to the Butler Flat Roll and Columbia City Structure & Rail steel mills, and ending at New Millennium Building Systems. Interns later spoke with a panel of upper management, where we asked questions to get insight into where the steel industry is headed and what is needed from us as the next generation of steelworkers.
The culture of Steel Dynamics has made me feel like part of the family, even as a new intern. I appreciate being treated as an equal by both coworkers and management. My supervisor has encouraged me to interact with all departments throughout the mill so I can better understand how the steel industry operates, how problems are addressed and how solutions are implemented. The mentorship I have received at Steel Dynamics this summer has been invaluable, and thanks to my peers I look forward to applying my experience throughout my career in the steel industry!