AIST Steel Intern Scholarship
Jackson S. Hollenbaugh
This summer I had the privilege of working for Steel Dynamics Inc. – Structural and Rail Division, Columbia City, Ind., USA.This internship has exposed me to the steel industry and has given me experiences well beyond the typical internship. My projects aimed to actively improve the production process, and direct feedback from supervisors and operators aided in their development.
Behind all my projects was SDI’s commitment to safety. From my first day, safety is SDI’s top priority; safety was reinforced by every employee to ensure the safest working environment. As a first-time intern in the steel industry, I found this drive for a safe environment very reassuring.
My summer started with learning the basics of the steel production process, from casting to the consumer, as well as the industry and internal language and phrasing. For my first project, I analyzed tensile test data across the entire structural product range, and I also assisted my supervisor in improving our inventory system. For my main project, I analyzed Charpy impact test data to help improve production efficiency. These projects helped develop my skills in analyzing data, in addition to improving my time management because of the production schedule.
This internship experience served to solidify my desire to have a career in the steel industry.
Additionally, this experience will help guide my continued education. I have great appreciation for SDI, my supervisors, and my coworkers. I am truly grateful to AIST and its mission to attract more students into the steel industry. This summer has laid the foundation for a rewarding career. I know my future is brighter thanks to the benefits of the AIST Steel Intern Scholarship and my internship experience.