2024 Steel Intern Scholarships
Ethan M. Brewer
Nucor Steel West Virginia (NSWV) in Apple Grove, W.Va., USA, created an incredible internship experience full of career growth within the steel industry. This internship was my third and final internship within Nucor and it solidified why I have come back time and time again. The reasons for coming back include the people, the safety culture, ownership and the dynamic nature of the steel industry. This summer was my second summer at NSWV, and I focused primarily on the transition from intern to full-time employment.
This summer, I worked as a mechanical maintenance engineering intern. I was involved with many of the important steps of the construction process throughout the summer. One of the most fulfilling aspects was the advice and guidance I was able to impart on other interns as a returning intern at Nucor. Along with the mentorship I was able to receive and give, ownership is a very rewarding piece of the culture at Nucor. Whether it’s a win or a loss, the ability to take ownership over your project is extremely satisfying. For example, a project I worked on with the team at Nucor Steel–Berkeley two years ago is still in use in the mill today.
At around week three or four of my internship, I fell in love with automation engineering. From this point on, that is my focus. Within the steel industry, automation is a field that is exploding, and I fell in love with the safety aspect. If a task that is hazardous can be completed by an automated system or a robot, that can save someone an injury or even their life.
I also had the pleasure of getting to know my teammates, who were always willing to share their knowledge and help me with any questions, no matter how long it took. I had built relationships with the team last summer, but this summer I was able to strengthen those relationships and build new ones with the ever-expanding team. The Nucor culture, which emphasizes safety, teamwork and a sense of family, made a lasting impression on me. The positive and determined attitude at Nucor Steel West Virginia was truly inspiring.
As my internship wrapped up, I was certain that a career in the steel industry was the path I wanted to pursue. I’m deeply grateful to everyone at Nucor Steel West Virginia for offering me this invaluable experience. I also want to extend my thanks to AIST for facilitating this opportunity in the steel industry. This internship has been truly transformative, and I’m excited to see where my future in the steel industry will take me.