- Major: Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering
- Company: Kimberly-Clark and Bridgestone
- Graduation Year: 2023
- E-mail: cwillin2@vols.utk.edu
Profile
My co-op rotations were with Kimberly-Clark. My first rotation was in Loudon, TN at their Kimberly-Clark Professional mill. I was responsible for running polymer trials at their wastewater facility as well as running trials to improve whiteness on their recycled fiber lines. My next rotation was in Alpharetta, GA where I was a part of the research and engineering team researching, developing, and testing new products. My final rotation with Kimberly-Clark was in Appleton, WI. There, I was in charge of process improvement at two of their locations in South Carolina and Oklahoma. To complete my project, I was able to travel to both locations and discuss with the crew to get a better understanding of their issues and how to improve. My last internship was with Bridgestone in Morrison, TN where I made decisions on rubber compounds that eventually would go on school buses, semi-trucks, and similar vehicles.
I decided to co-op from a SWE meeting where they had people from companies familiar with the hiring process and recruitment of college students. One of the things they advised was how beneficial co-ops and internships were. They said having real-world experience was a great way to get a leg up on your career. From there, I visited the Engineering Professional Practice Office and prepared for my first Engineering Expo. I went when I was a freshman which was a great way for me to know what to expect when I applied in earnest my sophomore year. One thing I took away from all these experiences was how to become confident in my decisions. When I was at my first co-op, I was unsure of the expectations. However, I soon learned that everyone was there to help me. They understood that I was learning and were very open to answering any questions. Eventually, I learned the process and was able to make improvements that impacted production. There’s something very satisfying about knowing that I helped produce a product that people use every day. Coming back to school after each rotation released some of the anxiety I felt about exams. Yes, the information is important and will benefit me throughout my career. However, I did not need to have every single detail memorized as I feared. In real world career, there are resources to help. This knowledge has given me confidence in my classes that helps mitigate some of my anxiety and focus on the real problems. I find coming back to school much easier than when I left. This confidence I hope to carry with me throughout my professional career.
Another thing I loved about my experience was all the people I met. Each of them had advice to give. All my mentors wanted me to learn and are still open to communication after I moved on to other roles. That is one of the many reasons why I recommend doing co-ops and internships. All the people I met gave me unique insights into their career paths. There is no correct way to become an engineer. The path may loop or there may be forks in the road, but eventually, you will be able to look back and see how far you’ve come. That’s what I was taught. Through these real-world experiences, I was able to figure out my career preferences and explore different areas of my field, such as manufacturing, research, and management. The opportunities are endless! I would recommend co-ops or internships to everyone.
In my free time, I love learning new things whether it be fictional languages, snowboarding, sailing, or skateboarding. I’m also in love with stories either the ones I read or the ones I experience in video games. My goal is to never stop learning.
