Name: Zack Rabas
Title: Process Improvement & Environmental Engineer Intern
University: University of Wisconsin – Madison
What inspired you to pursue an internship with Didion?
Innovation and creativity have always been intriguing to me and the ability to make improvements in a brand new corn mill is something I have never experienced before. The ability to learn a new process, such as corn milling, as well as test out my creative problem solving skills really drew me in.
What is your main focus as an Accounting Intern?
I have two projects. One deals with installing feeders in bulk load out to fortify the corn product with vitamins. This project will open BLO to new customers as well as improve the efficiency during loading. The other project is the sanitary system that is being installed for the ethanol plant.
How does your experience compliment your studies?
The main focus is to my wastewater treatment and project management classes. These enabled me to prepare for leading my projects during this internship.
What have you enjoyed the most about your internship with Didion?
I have enjoyed the trust the full-time employees have given me for my projects and tasks. I feel important and that I will leave here having made a difference for the company in a positive way. Whereas some of my other internships, I was just there to do the busy work and left without any impacts.
What new trainings/skills have you acquired through your experience?
- Problem solving
- How to read P&IDs
- Communication in a professional setting
- Dealing with changes in a project when problems arise
Looking ahead to the future, what are your career goals?
My career goals is to work my way up in the environmental department of a company and eventually become an environmental engineer or manager. My interests include air and water treatment. I would also like to pursue any opportunity with governmental agencies, such as the DNR or EPA, making sure private companies are compliant and sustaining the environment. My overall goal is to do something that allows me to be creative and make a difference.
If you could have dinner with anyone (dead or alive), who would it be?
I would have dinner with John Muir because I would love to hear about all of the stories he has while traveling around the various mountains and national parks in our country.
