Intern experience at the Union Carbide Corporation, Texas City plant: an internship report

Abstract

This report presents a survey of the author's internship experience with Union Carbide Corporation's Texas City plant during the period July 1, 1980 through May 15, 1981. The ten and one-half month internship was spent as an engineering intern attached to the Maintenance Department, with access to virtually every staff and line component of the organization. The intent of this report is to demonstrate that this experience fulfills the requirements of the Doctor of Engineering internship. The author's internship activities can be divided into three major categories which correspond to the three principal internship objectives. The first objective required a study of the organization and how the individual parts function together to produce results. This study was conducted by taking part in various diverse orientations and small projects throughout the organization. The second objective called for development of interpersonal and management skills. This was accomplished by participating in all forms of daily business activities, talking with the observing managers, receiving formal management training and taking advantage of every opportunity to practice these important skills. The third objective required an identifiable contribution be made to one or more particular projects. The three principal projects to which the author contributed involved inventory control, industrial hygiene, and maintenance workforce utilization. The result of the internship experience was an appreciation for both the technical and non-technical aspects of operating a large chemical plant. The conclusion of the report is that the objectives were met and the internship requirement for the degree of Doctor of Engineering has been satisfied.