Hydrotex Graduates Latest Intern Class
DALLAS – August 14, 2017 – August traditionally heralds a return to learning but for some stalwart students it means they’ll simply exchange their real-world classroom at Hydrotex for one that’s more traditional. Instead of sharing vacation pictures they’ll be able to share the skills and knowledge they learned on the job and that will ultimately make them more employable when they graduate.
Each year Hydrotex, a national manufacturer and distributor of high performance lubrication and fuel improver solutions, selects a handful of students for an intensive internship program. During the semester(s) the interns work alongside experienced engineers and scientists in the company’s Dallas-based laboratory. Every intern has their own project with each of these projects playing an instrumental role in the company’s overall strategic objectives. As with all the lab professionals, the interns report directly to the company’s director of research and development, Eric Cline, Ph.D.
Dr. Cline introduced the internship program four years ago as a recruiting tool and temporary staffing solution. “The internship program allows extra resources for critical projects, and we can select interns with the education and experience best suited for our needs. The energy and enthusiasm these students bring to our team is inspiring, and they make significant scientific contributions to our technology development. The program has proven to be a valuable recruiting tool, as we have identified and hired talented interns to join our corporate staff after graduation.”
This year’s interns included Joe Hall and Clara Stefanos, both from Texas A&M and Tyler Torgerson from the University of North Texas. Their projects ranged from benchmarking chain lubricants, developing a grease tackiness model, and evaluating novel food grade base oils for gear and hydraulic applications.
“These individuals might be classified as interns but their responsibilities and deliverables were on par with professionals with up to three years of experience,” said Dr. Cline. “That combination of exemplary interns and significant assignments is one element that sets us apart from other internship programs. “
“I enjoyed my project and the autonomy of the program,” said Torgerson. “It was valuable to me to work in an actual company and be able to regularly talk with Dr. Cline and even John Beasley, the CEO.”
“I liked the freedom,” said Stefanos. “I got to work with a supervisor but I also had autonomy on a project that was a crucial component of a new product in development.”
Hall, whose internship spanned two semesters, had more time to delve deeper into his project. “I was happy to be able to contribute to the natural progression of the project and see how it evolved as we hit milestones.”
The internship program culminated with a Summer Internship Research Symposium in which the interns presented their research results to Hydrotex management and staff. As they reflected on their experiences they offered advice to others:
- “Take advantages of the opportunities you’re given. Talk with the CEO. Network. Take in what you’re doing and determine if this is a fit for you,” said Torgerson.
- “Do as many internships as possible. Consider that you’re getting paid to learn. Ask a lot of questions,” said Hall.
- “Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. It’s part of the learning experience. Take advantage of talking with others in the organization who are outside your department,” said Stefanos.
Hydrotex also offers internships within its Information Technology and Technical Response Team departments. For more information on the Hydrotex Internship Program please contact Hydrotex at Hydrotex_News@Hydrotexlube.com
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Hydrotex helps customers develop sustainable solutions designed to improve system reliability, save energy, limit pollution, extend fixed asset life, reduce maintenance costs and improve fuel efficiency. Its products and services leverage more than 80 years of innovation resulting in superior lubrication solutions and high touch customer service. For more information and to find your local Hydrotex consultant, contact www.hydrotexlube.com