Welcome to the summer internship program at TQC! What school do you attend and what is your field of study?
Krista Stockton: Mayland College, Business
Kayla Bryant: UNC Chapel Hill, US History/Philosophy
Owen Snyder: Wake Forest University Biology
Ben Young: Appalachian St. University, Business Management
Morgan Higgins: Appalachian St. University, Chemistry/Forensic Science
Faith Ledford: Lees-McRae College, Psychology
Not pictured: Brody Smith and Jacob Bryant
“I would like to work for a company that can appreciate a variety of backgrounds and perspectives, where everyone is passionately driven to accomplish the same goal.” Kayla
If this is your first year participating, how did you hear about it and why did you apply?
OS: I applied for a job here and they told me to come back in May and they would see what they had available. I like mining and thought “What a better place than TQC?”
FL: I heard about the internship through friends and family that have worked at TQC. I thought it would be a great way to gain relevant administrative experience for future jobs and network with people in the community.
For those of you that are returning, what keeps bringing you back?
KS: I like working out here and it is good experience. I get to learn about business and computer skills while helping pay for school.
MH: The experience I acquire. I enjoy it and it’s fun. BY: The people but also the ability to learn. I want to work in mining so the exposure to the process is great.
KB: I would also have to say the people and the experience. I also like that it is different than my major. It’s a new prospective.
Anything in particular you are excited to learn about this summer?
KS: That’s a good question. I am excited to learn more about the technology and HR department because that might be what I want to do in the future.
OS: Some actual lab and real-world skills I can use in my career.
BY: I want to learn more about the process. I’ve worked here going on four years now, so I have a good understanding of the process. Working in the lab helps to deepen that understanding through the chemistry and mechanics of it all, from small to large scale applications.
MH: General job skills that will be applicable to any and all future jobs.
FL: I’m excited to learn more about the computer software and tools. Hopefully, my time here will give me experience I can add to my project portfolio.
One of our values at TQC is to have fun! For those of your returning this year, can you share a funny story with us that has happened in years past?
KS: Bryan Burleson came by and told Morgan and I that we would be helping with the meal one day. Well we didn’t know we were hosting a meal so thought he meant mill, as in the rod mill.
MH: We came into work with all our safety equipment thinking we were going to rod the mill.
KS: Maybe in the future we need to distinguish a little better between “M-I-L-L” and “M-E-A-L”.
BY: This is probably one of the funniest stories from my years here. During shut down, Jim told us to take a break and go get a milkshake. We asked Drey what kind of milkshake he wanted, and he said he didn’t know. We asked again what flavor he wanted. He responded with “what do you mean, flavor”. “Regular?” he said. He got vanilla because we didn’t know what flavor “regular” was.
KS: My funny story happened when I went to take pictures for a community service project. I didn’t want to get out of the car and walk around someone’s yard taking pictures. My solution to the problem was to have Sabrina stick her whole body out of the car to take pictures as we drove by. The homeowner came out to their porch yelling at us and asking us why we were taking pictures of their house. I had to get out and explain to her that I was not being creepy.
As you know, We Engineer Rocks for a Better World. We take pride in making a positive impact on the community and environment while staying connected globally as an organization. You are going to be entering the workforce soon. What will you look for in a company? What’s your dream job/company?
KS: I want the job to be interesting, something where I can switch tasks and stay engaged. I want the work to be effective, where I can see the difference it makes. I am not sure what my dream company would be. I know I want to do business and stay local so maybe here. I am getting to know the people and the process and the effect it has.
MH: It is important to me that the company feels like family. Being in Criminal Justice, I have already experienced the feeling of family that accompanies this field. You have to have each other’s backs and be there for one another.
OS: Being able to do something I enjoy where I am able to look forward to going to work.
BY: I am looking for a company that is striving to save the environment. I did a lot with sustainable development this past semester where I got to see how different companies are transitioning to be more environmentally conscious. With mining this is a little more difficult because it is hard on the environment. During my time here, TQC has already made significant strides in trying to be more environmentally friendly.
KB: I would like to work for a company that can appreciate a variety of backgrounds and perspectives, where everyone is passionately driven to accomplish the same goal.
FL: My career goal is to work in Social Services so it is important that the company is passionate about their mission and compassionate towards the people. It is also important that the company is motivated to improve and willing to listen to ideas on how to do so.
We now know what you are looking for in a company and we know what you are doing here at TQC. We really value and appreciate having you here. Any suggestions on content we could add to the internship program?
FL: After learning about the apprenticeship component at the Norway facility, I think it would be interesting to somehow incorporate that. One thing that was mentioned is having a partner to work along side with so we can be more aware of events and ideas in multiple locations. For me personally, I want to travel and potentially work internationally so this would be an exciting and beneficial opportunity.
KB: I think that would be very interesting.
Is there anything else you would like to say to the team at TQC?
OS: Offer me a full-time job!
FL: Everyone has been so welcoming, helpful, and friendly which has helped me be even more excited about the summer, so thank you.
KB: Thank you for the opportunity to work here the past few years. I’ve gained a lot of experience and memories that I am grateful for.
BY: I’m thankful for the few years that I’ve had at TQC. There are a lot of quality people here. I’ve gained a lot of relationships with people I now talk to everyday, many that I didn’t know before.