Colin Todd is a Junior Mechanical Engineering major and was hired by Hydrite as an Engineering Intern for the Summer of 2024.

What did you work on this summer? I have been assigned many small projects that involve investigating different production systems and improving safety, reducing operation time, or fixing broken/old systems. One project I spent a lot of time on was looking into replacing a leaking mix tank. My job was to map out a new location for the replacement and determine if it was suitable for the needed requirements. Another example is I had to do calculations to see if a system would be faster by changing the size of the piping. I presented my findings along with a quote for the work so that it can be collectively decided if the improvement is needed. Overall, my projects have revolved around using engineering and project management skills.

What’s the best thing about your job?  My favorite thing about my position is its application to mechanical engineering. I have learned so many different things relating to engineering, whether it is new topics that I have yet to learn in my major or more project management related topics. I also enjoy how my supervisors ensure that I sit in on certain meetings or projects as learning opportunities. The people around me really do get me involved and I have learned a lot.

What’s great about your company?  I believe the best part about Hydrite is its tight-knit community. Hydrite is still a family-owned company, and everyone stays true to that. The environment that Hydrite has is very comfortable and easy to navigate. As a new recruit to Hydrite, they made it very easy to find my place and get any answers to any of my questions. The people at this company are all very friendly and focus on the people first, not the production.

How did you find your internship opportunity?  I interned with Hydrite last summer as a Maintenance Intern.  

How did the Career Connections Center help you with your internship search? I visited the Career Connections Center for help refining my resume which lead to my first internship as a Maintenance Intern and then this internship as an Engineering Intern.