UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN River Falls
Kyle Swanson
Major: Physics and Mathematics
Residence: Hudson, Wis.
Anticipated graduation date: May 2017
Professional Experience: NCCM Company
Kyle Swanson, a senior math and physics major, has parlayed his experience at NCCM Company into a variety of practical and marketable skills. UW-River Falls connections at NCCM have even influenced Kyle's coursework. Now, after years of hands-on experience, he plans to continue in the field.
How do you think this professional experience will help you prepare for your career?
"My
job has given me a wide variety of industry skills that will be useful
anywhere, as well as the skill to work in both production and factory
type industries and office/sales type work. I do a lot of technical
testing and data collection/analysis as well as product development,
machine design and building. I have developed a strong sense of
mechanical adeptness, problem solving, technical writing and other
important skills required in any workplace format."
Did a faculty member or staff member play a role in your decision to apply for this internship?
"The CEO is an alumnus of UWRF Physics and was a persuading factor for me enrolling in the physics course at UWRF."
What are your responsibilities?
"Technical
Aid and Product Development. As a Research and Development (R&D)
Tech Aid working in the R&D lab, I am conducting tests and analyzing
results. I assist with engineering activities and coating efforts. I
conduct experiments in the development of coatings, processes and
applications, assist in the refinement of surface preparation, tooling
and masking, and troubleshoot production process problems. I am also
responsible for assisting in concept generation, design, development and
evaluation of new products, materials and technologies."
Where do you see yourself in five years?
"In
five years, I will still likely be working here [at NCCM] because I am
obligated to work here for four years after I graduate because they are
paying for my schooling. After that, I hope to either still be taking
classes to further my education or to be working in some sort of
technical field doing research or technical work in a research lab."