Mechanical Engineering Intern, Connor Guttmann, has been gaining valuable hands-on experience by contributing to a variety of projects that support operations at the power plant. From detailed office work to plant training, Connor is learning what it takes to be a mechanical engineer.
Connor has been assisting with firehose fittings, placing equipment orders, organizing paperwork, and scanning material test reports and expansion joint drawings. He is also helping calculate turbine heat rate output and has had the opportunity to contribute to a wide range of other ongoing projects in the department.
Currently, he is working alongside fellow intern Molly Doerflein on designing and planning protective safety guards for high-temperature and pressure equipment throughout the turbine building, an effort aimed at improving equipment safety and overall plant efficiency. He has also worked on visual data projects, such as creating a pie chart display for the new gypsum building. Connor also assists with acquisitions and maintenance issues that keep the plant running smoothly.
His schedule typically includes mornings in the office and afternoons in the plant, where he takes time to attend training sessions and uses photographs of equipment to better understand its function. “Seeing all the machinery in action during plant tours has been one of my favorite parts,” he shares. “Taking what I learned in school and seeing it applied in the real world has been my favorite part of the internship.”
Connor has learned valuable insights into this career. “You don’t need to be at the top of your class to be a great mechanical engineer. Real learning happens here. No one expects you to know everything when you start, but with guidance and experience, you grow into the role.” He still plans to pursue a career in mechanical engineering.