Alexandra Hickey, an electrical technology major, has been working with J. L. Clark this summer.
J. L. Clark is a domestic packaging manufacturer offering highly decorated material metal and plastic packaging designed to enhance leading consumer brands, which includes metal packaging for tins and aluminum containers as well as plastic packaging products such as containers, sticks, and closures.
As she prepares for her second year toward completing her associate’s degree, we asked Alexandra some questions about her internship experience!
How did you learn about your internship?
I connected with George in the Career Services Office and looked through Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology’s College Central Network, where the College posts upcoming job and internship opportunities for students and graduates.
What does your day-to-day look like?
After clocking in at 7 a.m. and participating in group stretches, we have a daily department meeting. Following that, I work in the plant or the department for the day, which could include routine work, large projects, or troubleshooting and fixing lines if they have issues. I mostly have completed electrical work, but I also have done some mechanical work and some welding. I mainly focus on a particular line for a large upgrade/rewiring project.
What is one thing you were surprised to learn in your time as an intern?
One item I was surprised to learn is how many mechanical and other related skills I’d need to develop to work in the electrical field.
What has been the best thing about your internship experience?
This experience confirmed for me that industrial electrical work is what I want to do after graduation. I’ve had a lot of fun and learned a lot. However, I also have to say the best thing may have been the people I’ve met and the friends I’ve made!
Can you share a story about something that happened as part of your time as an intern?
One day, we had an electrical fire in one of the line’s panels. No one was hurt! The transformer started smoking and caught fire. It was scary but reinforced safety and respect for electricity. It also gave me the opportunity later to work on a new replacement panel.
Would you recommend seeking out an internship to other students at Thaddeus Stevens College?
I would 100 percent recommend an internship to other students. It is a great way to practice what you’ve learned so far, learn from other people in the field, make connections, and get a head start on the second year’s material.