Colin Todd is a Freshman Mechanical Engineering major and was hired by Hydrite Chemical Co. as a Maintenance Intern for the summer of 2023.
What will you be working on this summer?
I will be working in the Maintenance department at Hydrite Chemical where I will do research and data collection to conduct repairs on equipment. This includes analyzing preventative maintenance checks to prevent future problems with the equipment along with developing efficient procedures of performing these checks. In addition, I will provide technical analysis for projects and assist in performing these assignments. Most of the analysis for these projects will be investigating costs, waste reduction, parts management, machine efficiency, materials use, and space management.
What is something you are excited to learn/experience this summer?
I am excited to learn more about hydraulic systems and how to transfer fluids efficiently. With Hydrite Chemical being a chemical manufacturer, there are hydraulic systems in place to transfer and store large quantities of chemicals in a safe and efficient manner. This includes what materials can be used that won’t be affected by the chemicals and how to safely conduct repairs on the machines with chemicals present. In general, I would like to gain more experience with different mechanical systems and fluid transportation.
Why were you interested in this company?
When I first saw the job listing for working in a maintenance department I was interested immediately as I have experience working in a maintenance department at a forging manufacturing company. After looking more into the company, I found out that they are family-owned and one of the largest independent providers of chemicals and related services. I found this as a great opportunity to learn more about manufacturing and distribution since it is such a large company. In addition, since it is a family-owned business it is a very social environment where employees are treated like family.
How did you find your internship opportunity?
I found this internship through Handshake and LinkedIn. I found the job description interesting and thought that I met many of the qualifications for the job. After applying, I got connected with a member of the Hydrite team and soon I was interviewing for the job!
How did the Career Connections Center help you with your internship search?
If it wasn’t for the Career Connections Center, I wouldn’t have been able to find this internship opportunity! The CCC helped me revise my resume, create a LinkedIn and Handshake account, gave me interviewing tips, and answered any questions I had about the process of getting an internship. It was very easy to get in contact with someone from the CCC or create an appointment when I needed help.
