STEP Internship Reflection

Emma Brunst

STEP Co-Operative Education Reflection

 

Over the past 6 months, I have been able to advance my academic and professional career drastically with the help of STEP. In March 2020, I was accepted for a Co-Op opportunity with Novelis, a leading producer and recycler of aluminum sheet metal. I was fortunate to work under Patrick Lester, a fellow Ohio State graduate and welding engineer, as the Application Technology Co-Op for 6 months. In addition to various smaller projects, my main goal was to research and optimize differing weld schedules to be used in development of resistance spot welding. 

 

Any type of transformation may differ from person to person depending on their personal experience, upbringing, goals, etc. After completing my signature project, I was fully convinced that I chose the correct major for myself. I wholeheartedly enjoyed the work that I was doing and genuinely felt I was making an impact on my team and the company. This was my first internship, first time living on my own, first time living out of Ohio; I was able to mature while also advancing my academic and professional career. I also become much more confident in my own skills and abilities throughout this time period. 

 

The main goal of my project was intended to research and optimize the pre-pulse of the weld schedule using resistance spot welding of aluminum sheet metal. The three phases of my project were simulation, welding campaign, and an electrode life study. During to COVID, I was unable to go to the facility or meet my team for about 3 months after the start of my Co-Op. However, we frequently met online to discuss the project and any results that were gathered. Although a majority of the discussion was online, I was able to form a bond with my two bosses, Pat and Julio. Throughout the duration of my project, they constantly assured me that I was doing meaningful and diligent work which contributed to my transformation. In addition to their support, I also received compliments and assurance from others within the company. All the co-ops presented half-way through their projects as well as after it was completed to explain the thought process and results. Following my final presentation, I received emails from others congratulating me on the work and what I was able to accomplish. 

Prior to this experience, I was nervous that a co-op may just be doing small work for my boss or miscellaneous projects. However, my project was very methodical and would actually provide value for the company as well as the welding industry. It took the entire 6 months to complete and mostly was in my control with their guidance of my bosses. The research that I did will be continually considered when making decisions relating to resistance spot welding in the future

In addition to the reassurance and value to the company, I also felt much more confident in my public speaking skills and ability to thoroughly explain my work. However, I think the largest transformation happened within my personal life. Living in Atlanta, Georgia by myself when I was 19 and working full time caused me to develop drastically. I learned an abundance of new information about how to live on my own and be successful in personal life as well. Some examples of this include learning about car maintenance, budgeting, time management, etc. I am now able to carry those new skills and confidence into my remaining years at Ohio State. 

 

After completing the Co-Op, I came back to Ohio State extremely excited and prepared for my future as a welding engineer. I was able to meet many experienced and influential professionals in the field as well as conducting my own research and presenting results. The company I worked for had discussed a possible full-time position in the future after graduation. I am able to hold myself accountable in the classroom, in the professional world, as well as in my personal life in many different ways.