Working with industrial robots at Graphic Packaging International in Kenton, Ohio, is capturing Long Huynh’s imagination and interest this summer.
“I’m getting a better idea of what I enjoy in the engineering field, especially working on control systems where mechanical design, automation, and problem-solving come together.”
Long, who hails from Montana, is a senior at Ohio Northern University. He’s majoring in mechanical engineering with a concentration in aerospace engineering and a minor in applied mathematics. After graduation, he’s eyeing opportunities at companies like Boeing.
“I’ve always been a curious person, and mechanical engineering has been perfect for keeping that curiosity busy. There’s so much going on in the world that runs on mechanical systems, and I like the idea of learning how those things work.”
What drew Long to the GPI internship was the complexity of manufacturing processes. GPI is a world leader in manufacturing sustainable consumer packaging.
“There was so much I didn’t know going in that I wanted to take the time to learn and understand. GPI has been a great place for that because learning, asking questions and growing in the role are all encouraged and supported.”
Indeed, one of his most important lessons, he says, has been to ask questions early and often.
“Asking the right questions helps me better understand the task, connect with others more easily and figure out whom to go to for help on certain projects. It’s made the work feel more collaborative and less overwhelming.”
During the internship, Long’s primary focus is on improving and expanding the automatic label printing systems across production lines.
He says nothing beats the value of applying classroom knowledge to hands-on work.
“Working with the actual hardware has taught me how to troubleshoot in real time. It’s a completely different experience seeing how designs and systems function outside of the textbook.”
