Hands-On and Fast-Moving
Stephen
Experience Information
Employer: Innotec
Job Title: Manufacturing Engineering Intern
Major: Product Design and Manufacturing Engineering
Received Credit: Yes
Paid: Yes
Abroad: No
Description of the Organization
Innotec is a West Michigan-based company that has divisions in Zeeland MI, Budapest Hungary, Shanghai China, and Arteaga Mexico. They produce mainly automotive components, but they also produce some furniture, office, and consumer products. They are a Christian-based company with a very high ratio of full-time engineers. They focus on automated processes for production, and most people "wear many hats," making every day unique in its events and challenges.
Description of the Tasks/Projects Completed
I ran production on multiple product lines that included stamping, laser cutting, injection molding, and assembly processes. I also led a team of six other interns in completing projects for the division that would improve machine efficiency or eliminate wasteful steps in weekly processes for the company. I completed projects dealing with machine or operator efficiency by implementing an automated pump system for lubricating oil for a reflector press and creating a standard component for multiple laser cutters that would save operator time when starting new coils of parts. I identified new projects for the team to complete, ordered replacement parts for machines, shipped products, and assisted in updating quality documentation.
Skills/Knowledge Gained Through The Experience
I learned more about stamping, laser cutting, and injection molding machine processes. I also learned more about quality standards and processes, and formed a deeper understanding of customer-supplier relationships and the intricacy of industry. I learned communication skills by presenting, and I reinforced leadership and management skills with the intern team I worked with as well as my cell team.
Favorite Part of the Experience
My favorite part of this co-op experience was the freedom that Innotec provided me in pursuing various kinds of opportunities at the company. I was able to try so many different things and make an impact in so many ways: production, cell responsibilities (such as safety, 5S, projects, machine improvements, etc.), management and leadership, shipping, quality, drawings, ordering, and having fun with a closely-knit team. Their flexibility was remarkable with my schedule between my co-op and my summer classes, and gave me the opportunity to be successful at the workplace as well as at school.
How the Experience Influenced Future Career Goals
This experience has influenced my future career goals by allowing me to see some of my strengths and weaknesses. I was able to try out project management for the summer, which gave me some insight and motivation to pursue becoming a project manager for a technical team in the future. Without the opportunity to try out these different aspects of the technical field, I may not have seriously considered project management as a reality for my future career!