This blog post contains all of the activities that have been completed for Step 1.

 

1. Company: Duke Energy, Princeton, IN and Charlotte,
NC

Position: Engineering CO-OP

Supervisors: Phil Miller, Bill Goedde and Scott Holland

Dates of Employment: May 2005 to Present

Description: I was required to perform engineering task
in the condition based maintenance group, plant engineering, and hydro
group. The jobs performed involved taking vibration data, aligning
equipment within a tight clearance, completing projects around the plant, and
creating reports on water data.

 

Company: CJ Analytical Engineering Inc., Francisco, IN

Position: Part time help

Supervisor: Kevin Guy

Date of Employment: June 2000 to August 2004

Description: I performed maintenance on equipment used,
yard work, oil testing and putting reports together.

 

2. No

3. I have had co-op experiences in
the power industry. In my first two
sessions I worked in the CBM group doing vibration analysis and alignments on
equipment. The vibration analysis dealt
with balancing equipment such as large fans and turbines. In my third and fourth sessions I was in the
plant engineering group performing various projects. One of the projects I had was replacing three
butterfly valves, two 36” and one 72”, along with replacing chlorine piping in
an intake pit. I also had other projects
one involving analyzing boiler tube corrosion.
I have just started my fifth co-op session where I am in the hydro group
working with water flows to determine how much water to use a day in order to
keep the water levels acceptable and within regulations.

4. The courses that have taught me
valuable skills are most of the upper level MET courses, in particular the
thermodynamics course involving power plant operations and fluid power course
which shows how fluids operate and are useful.
The projects during my co-op sessions have taught me about project
management and people skills.

5. I received the William L. West
scholarship for being top in my high school class in my math and science
classes. This scholarship was a four thousand
dollar scholarship for use in college.

6. I get along with people very well
and communicate clearly. I absorb
information well to be able to retain it at a later date when needed. I excel in math and science classes which
help greatly when figuring out problems in the workplace.

7. I work well with my peers by being
able to explain subjects clearly. I do
not speak more than one language.

8. I have a few computer skills,
being able to work with vibration analysis software and Microsoft office software. I know how to use Iron Cad to create
engineering drawings.

9. I work well with power tools,
heavy equipment, tool and dye and computers.

 

2. Job Ads

Employer:

Shuttleworth, Inc.innovat

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Division:

N/A

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Title:

Mechanical Engineer - Intern

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Description:

SHUTTLEWORTH, INC. based in Huntington, IN is seeking a Mechanical Engineer Intern.

Learn Mechanical Engineer job responsibilities as follows:

Concept for mechanism - this includes defining exactly what the
mechanism is required to do, determining the expected loads and speeds,
selecting all purchased parts, planning the framework and mounting
hardware, producing an accurate, scalable drawing for the next step.

Create detail drawings for unique parts - this involves producing all
drawings required by the fabrication department or an outside vendor to
manufacture components of our systems. This requires selecting
materials and finishes, assigning tolerances, etc.

Bill of material - this includes creating item numbers and descriptions
in Baan, calculating quantities and assigning raw materials to
manufactured items, then arranging all items for a project into a
logical series of sub-assemblies.

Resolve problems - this includes anything from clarifying a drawing to
redesigning parts that don't fit or can't be assembled. This also
includes processing late changes from the customer and evaluating
suggestions for improvements.

Select components for standard conveyor - this includes selecting bills
of material to get the correct length, width, pitch, frame style,
rollers, bushings, belts, etc. Also some standard items such as legs
and drive mounts.

Job Ad 2

Employer:

VeraSun Energy

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Division:

Human Resources

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Title:

Plant Engineer Intern

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Description:

VeraSun
Energy a leader in the production of renewable fuels is searching for
an Intern to work with the Plant Engineer. The Plant Engineering Intern
will be assisting the Plant Engineer with planning, directing and
coordinating activities concerned with design, modification, and
operation of process equipment in the ethanol plant.

 

3. Job Ad Analysis

Reflection

1. Why did you choose this job ad? Do you feel that you are qualified for the position?

I chose this job ad because it deals with renewable energy. I
believe that renewable energy is the up and coming thing in the US.
This job also involves my major which is always a plus. I developed an
interest during a class that involved making biodiesel.

2. How long has the ad been posted? If it has been posted for a long
period of time, are you sure that the position is still available? How?

1 day

3. Where is the company located? Are you willing to move if it is out of state or in a foreign country?

Linden, IN

4. Why is living in the area that the company is located appealing to you?

It is in between Purdue and my hometown being closer to Purdue, allowing me to visit friends and family.

Job Ad Analysis

1. What skills is your prospective employer seeking, from most important to least important?

planning

directing

coordinating

2. What exceptional skills do you have that prove you to be
invaluable to this company or organization? Remember that your resume
is not a record of what you’ve done, but a persuasive document that
proves indisputably that you are the best person for the job.

Able to communicate well with others

Computer skills

Cad Skills

Tool and Die

3. As an exercise, list the skills, professional experience,
personality traits, etc., the job ad is asking for in the left column,
and in the right, write paragraphs that elaborate on and illustrate
your skills, experience, etc.

 

History of the Company / Organization

1. Did you know anything about the company before you saw the job ad? No I did not know anything about the company.

2. Does the company have a website? What is the URL? Yes the website is verasun.com

3. What is the mission statement of the company? The mission
statement of the company is to be a leading producer of renewable fuels
for the benefit of our shareholders, communities and country.

4. What are keywords on the website that you can use in your cover letter and interview?

Commitment to safety

integrity

teamwork

responsibility

leadership

5. Write a few sentences about the history of the company. Remember
that it is essential for you to learn as much about the company as
possible; you can use such knowledge for your cover letter and
interview.

The company started up in South Dakota more than a decade ago. The
founders focused on benefits to the local, regional, and nationaly
communities. Verasun was first composed of like minded investors.

6. Based on your research, what is your personal sense about the
company? What do you feel the company values? The company has a strong
base with a high demand of its product. It is expanding to meet the
growing market with the current position at the Linden plant opening up
in August of 2007. With the growing concern of fuel mileage and
environmentally friendly vehicles in the US I believe this company will
be around for a while.

7. Does Purdue’s Center for Career Opportunities have a networking
system with this company? Yes Purdue's Center for Career Opportunities
has a networking system with this company with an ad on the site.

8. Do you have any personal connections to this company? Do you know
anyone who works there? Does anyone in your family or friends of your
family work there? No I do not know any one affiliated with this company.