Summer Skills

Helwig Carbon's internship program provides a model for success

Helwig Carbon recently posted on its blog that it "is grateful for the contributions of Summer Interns Addie Kortman and Lucas Weigand," who participated in the Milwaukee company's summer internship program. In the blog, the two students shared some thoughts about their experiences.

Mechanical Engineering Intern Lucas Weigand – Rising senior at MSOE

Weigand, a rising senior at MSOE (Milwaukee School of Engineering), was quoted as saying:

"These last few months have been a great internship experience to say the least. Though it can be a bit nerve-wracking to start a new job, I was welcomed with open arms and quickly felt like part of the Helwig family."

He went on to mention that his skillset has grown significantly, especially relating to work on the shop floor. "I’ve learned how to use machines such as a lathe, mill, spring force measurement device, and a CMM (Coordinate Measuring Machine), while getting additional experience with band saws, grinding wheels, and drills. I’ve also been able to weld some sheet metal together, even if it didn’t look pretty."

For project experience, Weigand said he made excel macros to extract, organize, and plot data for brush tests. "I’ve assisted in the assembly and manufacturing of products for major automotive, industrial motor, construction, and mining equipment manufacturers. I’ve designed and produced modifications to shop floor machines, a crimping mechanism for a new product assembly, and other assembly tools for various applications. I’ve built, modified, and run tests on test stands for various projects also involving a variety of customers. I’ve even been able to work on designs for a potential new product, which has presented an invigorating design challenge to brainstorm and research."

He thanked the Helwig team specifically for providing what he called "an amazing experience."

Electrical Engineering Intern Addie Kortman – Rising Senior at MSOE

Addie Kortman, an electrical engineering student at MSOE, described "having the pleasure of interning Helwig Carbon Products. Overall, I had an amazing experience at Helwig. Everyone was very welcoming and friendly since day one."

During her internship, Addie had the opportunity to work on circuit design and troubleshooting projects. "My main project was examining the circuit board for an existing product line and working on modifications to improve the circuit. I learned a lot during that project, including how to read data sheets to better understand each component, how to better understand wave forms, troubleshooting circuits, setting up test plans, and better soldering techniques. I was able to take concepts I learned from MSOE and apply them to the project, including MOSFET, diode, op-amp, and voltage regulator behavior, as well as wiring and simulating circuits through online circuit design such as LTspice."

She finished by adding: "I am very thankful for my time here at Helwig and will take what I have learned about circuit design, designing test plans, and soldering techniques to my future jobs and projects. Thank you to everyone I have met here at Helwig—you made it an unforgettable experience."