STEM stands for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, STEM includes 102 different careers that can be applied to a multitude of industries. ChemDesign believes it’s important that students learn about STEM careers and make educated decisions when deciding their after-school plans. As a part of ChemDesign’s Career Development program, we frequently recruit at Michigan Technical University, UW-Green Bay and Northern Michigan University, among other colleges, to offer the experience to aspiring undergraduates.
This summer, ChemDesign had five incredibly bright interns working with us in our HR Department, Engineering, HES Department, and Quality Control lab. Ali Christian, our HR intern, worked on human resources projects for a chemical manufacturing plant to include scheduling, interviewing and candidate screenings. Our HES intern, Ben Caithamer, conducted respirator fit tests, created emergency kits for four of our buildings. David Jaszczak, our engineering intern, designed a magnetic fire door release system and planned the removal of the vessel. At his final presentation, he expressed “ChemDesign helped me learn the importance of workplace relationships, how to apply my academics, and what it’s like to work in a chemical plant. I am so thankful for the opportunity they have given me to learn and grow.” All our interns this summer have expressed interest in working at ChemDesign, or in the chemical manufacturing industry in the future.
In addition, ChemDesign runs a job shadowing program for high school and college students who would like to see what working in chemical manufacturing involves. Just this summer, we had two students job shadow at ChemDesign. Pictured to the left, is Logan Mikesell from Michigan Technical University. He connected with us after talking with ChemDesign representatives at his school’s career fair. Logan told us he wanted to shadow because he was thinking of pursuing a second degree in engineering- along with his almost complete chemistry major. Our Human Resources and Employee Development Manager invited him onsite to shadow. First, he toured the QC lab where he and Mindy Doubek, our QC Lab Supervisor, then discussed the type of instruments they use for conducting chemical analysis. He recognized the instruments as he used the same type in his class’s chemistry labs. Later, engineer Bob Martins, took him through the plant to discuss the larger equipment used to manufacture the chemicals. During our lunch discussion, Logan said his favorite part of the tour was our Quality Control Lab. With this valuable job shadowing experience, Logan expressed that he feels more confident in his after-college plans.
When students visit or intern at ChemDesign, they discover a beacon of light when navigating the uncertain seas of numerous career pathways. When it comes to STEM, ChemDesign believes it’s important for students to see as many aspects of the industry as they can so they can make the best career choice for a prosperous and challenging future.
Tags: Chemistry Job Shadow, Engineering Job Shadow, Michigan Technical University, UW-Green Bay, and Northern Michigan University, STEM Education
This entry was posted in Blog and tagged Academic and Career Planning, Chemistry Job Shadow, Engineering Job Shadow