2023 Steel Intern Scholarship – Ronald E. Lincoln
Clayton A. Ferguson
This summer, I had an amazing internship at Steel Dynamics Inc. – Roanoke Bar Division, Roanoke, Va., USA. Over my 13 weeks there, I was able to work on a variety of different projects, as well as gain invaluable experience that has solidified my desire to pursue a position in the steel industry upon graduation.
A couple of my projects this summer involved reverse engineering two critical pieces of equipment that we use on site – a torch cutting machine in the caster and a CNC shooter gate at the taphole –so that we could easily (and accurately) make repairs. With both, we originally only had instruction manuals on how to operate the pieces of equipment and a general view of each piece. My function was to disassemble some of the components that regularly needed repairs and then take measurements on these various components. With these measurements, I then modeled them in Inventor, before making detailed drawings that will be used in the future.
Another project I was able to work on this summer was helping develop the layout and components of a new mold shop on-site. Over the course of this project, I worked closely with my supervisor and our mold millwright on developing the best combination of function and space usage for this new shop. This entailed taking measurements on the space as well as existing equipment we would be moving over, and then also helping design both a new working platform and transfer car that would be in the space. Along with this project, I had the experience of being able to go to the fabrication shop on site and help build these new pieces. Not only was I able to have the unique experience to truly work on something from start-to-finish, but I also learned valuable skills to help make designs more build-friendly as well.
Lastly, but most importantly. I learned about the safety culture at Steel Dynamics, and the company’s history. At the beginning of this internship, I went through a three-day orientation course, learning about the potential hazards that naturally come with working an in industrial setting, as well as the safety practices that SDI has in place to help make sure everyone goes home safe at the end of the day. In July, I has the amazing opportunity to travel to Fort Wayne, Ind., USA, where I was able to meet co-founder, chairman and chief executive officer Mark Millet, president and chief operating officer Barry Schneider, and the executive team. Being able to hear their stories and personal experiences as professionals alongside the other interns company-wide was a great experience. During this trip, we also were fortunate to see several other SDI facilities and learn some of the differences that exist between production processes.
Overall, this summer was a great experience that was made possible by all the teammates across both the Roanoke Division and company by going out of their ways to help me learn more about the equipment, positions and processes on-site. I’m now excited to continue my education this fall, so that I can not only take my work experience into the classroom, but also learn things that I can then apply to my career.