Author: Austen Lee | Major: Chemical Engineering | Semester: Fall 2022
My name is Austen Lee. I am currently majoring in Chemical Engineering with a minor in Computer Science. Every Friday of the semester, I spent my evening at the Tyson Foods engineering office on MLK in Fayetteville, AR. Not only was I able to spend time at the office to see what the engineers were working on, but I also met many of the minds behind the company and experienced the environment at Tyson. Through this experience, I determined that the path I chose for my career is the correct one.
HEET was not an internship. I did not work for Tyson Foods; instead, I represented the University of Arkansas College of Engineering and the Honors College as a student in cooperation with a representative at Tyson Foods. The primary purpose of the HEET program was to immerse students into the community of Tyson and provide opportunities to students who participated. I received notice of the program through an Honors College email and took note of it. The description of HEET proved that this opportunity would enrich my knowledge of the engineering field and grow my perspective on the role of engineers in the professional world. Doubts about my major choice began to arise as I continued with my degree plan. To realize if chemical engineering was something I wanted to do in the future, I believed that taking the opportunity could be an approach to increase my confidence.
At every meeting time, there was an itinerary for the time we would spend together. My favorite days of the program were visiting the pilot plant at the Tyson World Headquarters, touring the Tyson Manufacturing Automation Center, exploring the MLK office, and speaking with engineers working in my desired field. The pilot plant and TMAC showcases how engineering is used in the manufacturing and development process. Observing the pipelines that carry cooling fluid or fuel and the boiler room that provide heat, cooling, and the maintaining operation of the buildings fascinated me. The connective power of associating lecture topics with real-world applications empowered my enjoyment of problem-solving and improving efficiency. Even observing the sprinkler system or the heating system of the MLK office excited my body. Two engineers I was able to spend some time with specialized in refrigeration. With that time, I could examine how refrigeration engineers upgrade existing systems and synthesize the whole refrigeration system of a new factory. My continuous interest in their occupation proves that I would enjoy working in the same environment and career that the professionals I talked to worked in. I became acquainted with both of the engineers I met with, and they both provided me the opportunity to meet with them again if I desired.
The program heads allotted time for a mock interview session, resume review, and a project presentation. Any supplemental workshops provided by a Fortune 100 company should not be declined and help the development of all professionals. There was only one assignment provided to the participants of the program. We were given a choice of topics to research and present in front of a panel of engineers and department heads. The experience of presenting in front of professionals was scary. I appreciate the addition of the assignment because it gives room for the students to take the initiative over researching a topic they have little knowledge over and present the subject to an informed audience who will ask tough questions and hold the presenter accountable to their words.
I look forward to applying for an internship at the MLK office for Tyson Foods. After completing the program, my desire to work for Tyson increased. Hopefully, I can find an opportunity that will allow me to intern with Tyson over the summer of 2023. In regard to my education, I will continue my degree in Chemical Engineering at the University of Arkansas.