This summer, Cameron Hartman, a student at the College of Aeronautics and Engineering (CAE), dove into an enlightening internship experience at Viking Forge LLC. The company, known for manufacturing critical components for various industries including oil and gas, automotive, and military, provided Cameron with a unique opportunity to immerse himself in the world of engineering and manufacturing.
Cameron's primary responsibilities involved training operators to perform their jobs more efficiently and safely. He created manuals for various procedures and assisted workers in optimizing their performance while maintaining safety standards. This hands-on experience allowed Cameron to apply his academic knowledge to real-world scenarios and develop crucial skills in technical communication and leadership.
"I wanted a reality check, to find out what the industry and what the work is really like," Cameron explained when asked about his motivation for pursuing this internship. His desire to learn and experience the day-to-day life of an engineer in a professional setting drove him to seize this opportunity.
Throughout his internship, Cameron honed his skills in Microsoft Excel, Word, and Outlook, while also learning to collaborate with diverse teams across different departments. He faced challenges, such as adjusting to not being "the smartest in the room," but found his colleagues supportive and encouraging.
One of Cameron's most memorable experiences was participating in operations training. He enjoyed the methodical and routine nature of the tasks, finding satisfaction in the rhythm of the work. His supervisor noted Cameron's excellent performance during weekly evaluations, praising his inquisitive nature and eagerness to learn.
Reflecting on his internship, Cameron advised future interns to gain as much hands-on experience as possible before starting their internships. "It makes it easier to learn along the way," he shared.
As Cameron looks to the future, he hopes to leverage this valuable experience at Viking Forge LLC. "The more I know, the greater the chances I could run this place someday," he said, embodying the spirit of CAE's motto: Dare Mighty Things.
Students interested in pursuing similar internship opportunities are encouraged to reach out to CAE's Career Services coordinator, Steven Nowinski. Steven can provide guidance on finding and applying for internships that align with students' career goals and academic interests. Contact Steven at snowinsk@kent.edu for personalized assistance in your internship search.
Cameron's internship experience at Viking Forge LLC exemplifies the transformative power of hands-on learning and the importance of daring to step out of one's comfort zone. As he continues to forge ahead in his academic and professional journey, Cameron carries with him the skills, knowledge, and confidence gained during this remarkable summer experience.