I'm working on assignments which are critical to production and boy, I couldn't ask for more . . . well, actually, I could . . . like a raise, a new car, a signing bonus and a job with either of my top 4 companies I'd like to work for. Anyway, this man's not all gravy . . . if I leave work at 4:59pm I must come to work at least a minute early the following day. I told him I had to leave work @ 430pm a few days ago while he was out of town and he asked me to get to work 30 minute early the day after. . . this meant getting to work @ 730am. That pissed me off so I left work 45 minutes earlier. Oops. . .that meant coming to work at 715am because he left me a message saying he'll be in the office that day. Life's B sometimes. Oh well, we'll see what happens . . . I might get to work on another six sigma project this summer but I doubt it, I have 7 weeks to go.
I have been working on some pretty good projects aimed at improving yield of our products. In addition to that, I have developed a couple of test methods, one of which is based on two ASTM test methods on penetration by liquids into protective clothing. It's fun and I'm getting much needed exposure in the plastics industry. Just recently, I was assigned to help three engineers with their six sigma black belt projects that could save the company a lot of dough. Upon completion of either of the projects I will be eligible to obtain a six sigma green belt certificate. So then the question arises . . . Do I think I can do this "plastic" for the rest of my life? Yes and No, "yes" because i'm having fun and learning a lot..."No" because it's been only four months since I started working with them and chemical engineering has a lot more opportunities I could explore. It's too early to decide. Polymers sound interesting but fibre optics don't sound too bad either.
I got to run some trials recently with some Hytrel and Low Density Poly Ethylene resin. The outcome was good. I will be given more responsibility in due time. In addition, I've gotten better with the Cognex surface inspection system and have been able to troubleshoot most of the problems we've had. I love this job, but still not sure if I'll want to do this for the rest of my life. At the moment, I'm interested in checking out the petroleum industry . . . Why? Because I want to satisfy my curiosity. Remember the six sigma projects I was talking about? Tell me why I seem to be the only one insterested in getting it completed? I need the moda socking greenbelt for my RESUME . . . shoot, I "ain't" "gonna" lie.
Okay, So, It's July 24th and the last days of my coop are so close I can't believe it. The Steady Paycheck suddenly stops . . . HELP ME. But My boss asks me to return next summer . . . sigh . . . Unless I get a better offer from elsewhere . . . say, from KIMBERLY CLARK (hint , hint) I'll be back. It's been great . . . I will let you know how things turn out at the end of the coop session.
So yeah, what else have I learned? I've been able to complete all 12 six sigma processes . I'm quite convesant with developing SOP's , applying FMEA's in processes. To be honest with you, the whole six sigma things seems to me like the engineering fundamentals we learn in Freshman year but with a bit more statistical methods. Oh well , Life Goes On . Less than three weeks to go .
NEXT JOB Will be on campus until next summer when I apply for another internship. Trust me, you don't really want to know what I'll be doing during the school session...I did the burger flip and pizza joint in my freshman year ...I'm a junior now . . . Bigger And Better . . . So I think I'll start delivering it. Take care and have a great one! Stop by soon.
Yes, the coop is over and I am glad I took 8 months off school to work. I got what I wanted and more . . . I got Six Sigma Black Belt Certified and was asked to return next summer. Will I take up the offer or not? . . . If you've been following my not too periodic updates on this page you should know. We live to see. Classes begin in less than a week and my schedule has nothing to complain about besides the 8am class I have on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Oh well, drop by soon for more updates about how school's going on my "Academics" page.