Fiberglass manufacturing plant provides a stepping stone for Engineering student

Ryan Nelsen, a senior at the University of South Carolina Aiken (USCA), wants to ensure he seizes every opportunity ahead of his senior year. The process engineering major is currently interning at AGY Aiken, a manufacturer of high-performance fiberglass used in various products such as industrial filtration, medical, and aerospace devices including airplanes. 
 
“I work in the batch and furnace department where we mix all the ingredients to be melted to make the glass,” Nelsen said. For over a month, Nelsen has gained a lot of insight into the factory's day-to-day operations. “I’ve learned a lot being able to see how the factory runs and how every department operates.” 
 
Nelsen thanked the Office of Career Services and his professors at USCA for helping him learn about various career opportunities. “I remember when the career center sent an email out about the position and I applied quickly because I knew I needed an internship this summer,” he explained. “I didn’t get the chance to have one last summer, so I knew this year had to be different.” 
 
Nelsen views his current internship as a stepping stone toward a career in engineering. This internship opportunity also doubles as a co-op, paving the way for him to work part-time at AGY Aiken during his senior year. “When students can get that real-world experience, it helps out a lot, especially when it comes to finding internship opportunities like this,” Nelsen said. 
 
Nelsen's insightful journey as a USCA summer intern is chronicled in the Summer Intern Diaries, providing a genuine student perspective on the importance of internships. 

For more information, contact USCA Marketing & Communication at news@usca.edu.