Q&A with Intern Zac Biel

Jul 22, 2021
Name: Zac BielZBiel-Blog-Design.png
Title: Millwright Intern
MKC Location: Based out of the Inman millwright shop but travel daily to various MKC locations
Hometown: Hutchinson, Kansas
Education: Will be a sophomore at The University of Kansas studying mechanical engineering
 
Why did you choose to pursue an internship with MKC/TMA?
I wanted to get a first-hand view of the agricultural engineering world as it is so prominent in the state of Kansas.
 
What does a day in your life look like this summer?
I wake up and arrive at the millwright shop at 7:30 a.m. I check in with my mentor, Jerame Carson, and we go over the plan for the day. We do a variety of tasks throughout a typical day from fixing elevators to pulling up leg belts to repairing or replacing bearings. We do general maintenance on our elevators to ensure they are running smooth and meet MKC safety standards. If I have spare time during the week, I will spend time working with Jon Brown on my project.
 
What has been the most exciting part of your internship?
The most exciting part of my internship has been experiencing what it’s like to work for a company like MKC and applying skills I learned in school. It is very rewarding to have the opportunity to apply the knowledge I learned the past year on real company projects. There’s always plenty to learn and examine at all the MKC locations, and I love working on something new daily.
 
What motivates you most about getting up to start a new day as an intern?
What motivates me is the new experiences MKC offers. I enjoy being able to work alongside and learn from my mentor and other millwrights. Few other sophomores in college will be able to say they have the same experiences I have and that is something that I am very proud of.
 
When did you realize you were interested in the career path you’re in?
From a young age, I was always intrigued in the nature of various machines and everyday objects. I like to take things apart and put them back together. I learned later in high school that I was good at physics and math, which confirmed that the engineering path is what I wanted to pursue.
 
One thing you can’t leave the house without in the morning and why?
Sunflower seeds. I love having sunflower seeds when I work and my favorite flavor is dill pickle. Nothing beats sunflower seeds while you’re working.