Mechanical Engineering Co-Op Story: Nucor Steel

Benjamin Ford Holmes, IV

Mechanical Engineering

What company did you intern with and where are they located?

Nucor Steel | Decatur, AL

How did you identify and apply for your internship? Are there any specific resources you used to find the opportunity (i.e. Handshake, career fairs, other recruitment events)?

Career Fair

What was the application process like?

Very easy and intuitive

Tell us about your internship experience. What types of tasks and projects did you engage in? Was there a particular project or part of the experience you learned the most from?

I've been involved in a number of projects ranging from process automation and quality improvement to 3D design and fabrication. I have utilized skills in CAD, coding, fabrication, electronic and PCB construction, and many more. I was tasked with designing and implementing a series of temperature sensors to monitor spindle temperatures. This project opened my interest to electrical systems and coding.

In what ways did this internship help you prepare for your next destination after Auburn?

Auburn taught me the importance of learning and developing a diversified skillset. Each and every day, I tried to learn something new to make me a better engineer. If you look at every situation as a learning opportunity, you will inevitably achieve success.

In what ways did your coursework or other experiences at Auburn prepare you for your internships? Are there specific topics or skills you learned from classes that you put into practice on the job?

The academic side of Auburn definitely prepared me for my role at Nucor. Several classes I utilized daily were Mechanics of Materials, Fundamentals of Electrical, and Fluid Mechanics.

Do you have any advice for other students looking for internships like yours?

Always do your best and take advantage of every opportunity. Go to the career fairs, apply for jobs that interest you, be engaged, and be personable. If you are engaged, driven, and easy to get along with, you will go very far in your career as an engineer.