Summer internship season is one of our favorites at Steffes! Every year, we are lucky enough to enjoy the company and collaboration of several college students who work across different divisions and departments. Each of these students brings unique experiences, talents, and diversity to our teams, and as much as they learn from us during their time at Steffes, we also learn a great deal from them!
We are pleased to spotlight our 2022 interns this month and wish them luck as they return to their respective universities to continue their studies. We are confident this isn’t the last we’ll hear from them!
Madison Pearson, Human Resources Intern – Dickinson, ND
Madison is a Newcastle, WY, native currently studying business administration and human resource management at Dickinson State University (DSU). She will begin her senior year this fall and graduate with her bachelor’s degree in December 2022. But Madison isn’t stopping there. After graduation, she plans to enroll in the MBA program at DSU!
A few words from Madison on her internship experience at Steffes:
What does your internship entail?
My internship entails many different aspects of human resources and learning and development. From the human resources perspective, I have learned about benefits, scheduling interviews, preparing and conducting new hire orientation, processing new hires, and helping employees as needed. Next, from the learning and development standpoint, I have been exploring how to build, assign, and put past records into UKG Pro Learning and prepare training records for new hires.
What have you learned so far during your internship at Steffes?
Through my internship, I have learned a lot about the complete employee cycle, training, benefits, Steffes, and different laws and regulations within human resources.
Why did you pursue an internship at Steffes?
I pursued an internship at Steffes through a recommendation from my academic advisor when I decided I wanted to pursue a career in human resources. My advisor shared that Steffes is known for having a great internship program where I can learn and grow my career.
What is your favorite part about interning at Steffes?
My favorite part about interning at Steffes is the different learning opportunities I am offered within human resources and learning and development. I have learned so much about both perspectives and am excited to learn more!
What is one random fact people might not know about you?
I have a six-month-old Mini Aussie puppy named Ziva.
“Having Madison as an intern has provided us with different ideas through her new and unique perspective. Madison approaches tasks with a “can-do” attitude and is not afraid to jump in and ask questions. She displays the communication skills you would expect in a seasoned professional. She is a valued team member that we’re hoping goes beyond this internship and into her future career path with Steffes. In landing Madison as a recruit, we feel fortunate to have had her as part of the HR team this summer.” – Steffes HR Manager Nathan Ellingson
Seth is from Dickinson, ND, and is pursuing degrees in mechanical engineering and physics at North Dakota State University. Entering his junior year this fall, Seth anticipates graduating from NDSU in May 2024. After graduation, he plans to continue his education and work toward a master’s degree in his field.
A few words from Seth on his internship experience at Steffes:
What does your internship entail?
My internship has involved working with other design engineers and helping them execute design updates and designs for new products using SolidWorks. I have also put together drawings for these designs to be used by the production team. One of my main projects has been designing a scale model of a three-phase horizontal separator to be used for training purposes.
What have you learned so far during your internship at Steffes?
I have learned a lot about the engineering process, including the documentation and collaboration that goes along with developing product designs.
Why did you pursue an internship at Steffes?
I pursued an internship at Steffes because it was a company I am familiar with since I am from Dickinson. Being back in my hometown for the summer was also an added benefit.
What is your favorite part about interning at Steffes?
My favorite part has been meeting the other interns at Steffes and sharing some of the projects we have been working on.
What is one random fact people might not know about you?
A fun fact about me is that I enjoy cooking. I think I would like to own a restaurant one day.
“Seth was a very productive intern. His maturity and willingness to learn enabled him to gain experience and become a valuable resource to the engineering team.” – Steffes Design Engineer Patrick Anderson
Brayden hails from Beulah, ND, and is headed into his senior year at South Dakota School of Mines & Technology. He is pursuing a degree in mechanical engineering and anticipates graduating in the spring of 2024. After graduation, Brayden plans to apply to work for Steffes full-time or seek employment at a motorsports company like Polaris.
A few words from Brayden on his internship experience at Steffes:
What does your internship entail?
My co-op deals with prototyping new projects and making fixtures to assemble the product thus far.
What have you learned so far during your internship at Steffes?
It is tough to choose just one thing that I’ve learned from this co-op but getting a look into what the industry will look like once I graduate and what a full-time career in engineering will entail has been great.
Why did you pursue an internship at Steffes?
The main reason I pursued this internship was all the good things I’d heard about the company that other students at SDSM&T had told me when I first became interested. I had heard it was a great company to learn from, and there were many advantages of working for a company like Steffes as the employees value the knowledge you take away and ensure you are receiving all the tools possible for you to succeed.
What is your favorite part about interning at Steffes?
My favorite part about this co-op is all the people I’ve met that take time out of their busy days to contribute to how I can grow and succeed throughout my time here.
What is one random fact people might not know about you?
A funny and random fact about me is that I can say the entire alphabet backward in under 3 seconds.
“Brayden walks in the door with a great attitude. He is always asking for more projects to help us in any way he can, and he is very engaged and excited about the things he is working on. He is not afraid to ask questions and continues to learn every day. Brayden is just getting started, and we look forward to seeing what he will accomplish for us in the coming months.” – Steffes Manufacturing Engineering Supervisor Seth Obritsch
Gannon Steffes, Design Engineer Intern – Grand Forks, ND
Gannon is from Fargo, ND, and is a sophomore studying electrical engineering at the University of Mary. He plans to graduate in 2025 and is looking forward to pursuing additional internship opportunities to broaden his experience before graduation.
A few words from Gannon on his internship experience at Steffes:
What does your internship entail?
As a design engineer intern, my summer has been filled with a great deal of 3D modeling in SolidWorks. Most of my work has been transferring assemblies from Creo to SolidWorks and creating new drawings. I also had the opportunity to redo the software on the tube bender that Paul Steffes himself helped build.
What have you learned so far during your internship at Steffes?
Everything I have worked on at Steffes was new to me. I came in with little knowledge of 3D modeling, and I had never worked in SolidWorks. In short, everything I have done at Steffes had a learning process, and I have learned a great deal in my time here.
Why did you pursue an internship at Steffes?
I found out about Steffes at the UMary career fair. I ended up really liking the company and the people I talked to there. I heard many great things about the company beforehand, which led me to apply.
What is your favorite part about interning at Steffes?
My favorite part about interning at Steffes was meeting everyone. I love meeting and working with new people. Everyone I have met here has been extremely friendly and great to work with.
What is one random fact people might not know about you?
I may share the same name as the company, but don’t let that fool you. I am not related… that I know of.
“Gannon showed great self-confidence and willingness to learn during his time at Steffes. He worked hard on all the tasks assigned to him, always asking questions to ensure he followed the correct procedures. We can’t wait to see how he develops from here throughout his college career!” – Steffes Product Manager Matt Rothschiller
Emily Axtman, Accounting Intern – Dickinson, ND
Emily is from Fairview, MT, studying accounting, business administration, and finance at Dickinson State University. She will begin her senior year this fall and plans to enter the workforce after her spring 2023 graduation.
A few words from Emily on her internship experience at Steffes:
What does your internship entail?
I am assisting with accounts receivable tasks.
What have you learned so far during your internship at Steffes?
Building a relationship with the people around you is important to make sure goals can be met.
Why did you pursue an internship at Steffes?
I pursued an internship at Steffes because of the good reputation regarding the work environment and the opportunity to learn more about how my education in accounting applies in the real world.
What is your favorite part about interning at Steffes?
My favorite part about interning at Steffes is the people I get to work with and the opportunity to learn something new each day.
“Emily did an excellent job and easily adapted to Steffes’ culture. She showed a strong desire to learn and approached her tasks with enthusiasm. She has a bright future and will be successful in her future endeavors.” – Steffes Financial Controller Karla Claussen
Broc Waldhausen, Manufacturing Engineer Intern – Grand Forks, ND
Broc is a University of North Dakota senior and calls Bemidji, MN, home. He is currently studying mechanical engineering with a focus on manufacturing and will graduate in the spring of 2023. After graduation, he looks forward to settling down and buying a piece of property to build a home.
A few words from Broc on his internship experience at Steffes:
What does your internship entail?
My internship entails developing solutions to manufacturing-related problems. I have spent a lot of my time helping shipping and receiving organize their yard and build storage solutions for materials.
What have you learned so far during your internship at Steffes?
I have learned how to use parts of the SolidWorks suite to create drawings for my projects. I have also learned enough about welding to where I have been able to weld some of my projects myself. One lesson I’ve learned a couple of times before it stuck is that just because something has been done in the past doesn’t mean it is right or can’t be improved upon.
Why did you pursue an internship at Steffes?
After hearing some of their employees present at UND, I chose to pursue an internship at Steffes.
What is your favorite part about interning at Steffes?
My favorite part about interning at Steffes is how supportive everyone is here. My coworkers, supervisors, and mentors have fostered an environment that has given me the opportunity to learn so much.
What is one random fact people might not know about you?
I also go by Brocstar, Brocadile, B-Rock, or Waldo.
“Broc has been a big asset to the Grand Forks team. He has been helping a lot with shop and yard organization projects and looking at returnable and x-ray solutions. Broc has a great attitude and is willing to do anything to help out the team.” – Steffes Manufacturing Engineer Charlie Rognerud
Laura Thompson, Manufacturing Engineer Intern – Grand Forks, ND
Laura is also from Bemidji, MN, studying mechanical engineering at the University of North Dakota. She will begin her senior year this fall and graduate in the spring of 2023. After graduation, Laura plans to settle down in the Midwest, preferably in ND or northern MN, and work in the manufacturing or energy industries.
A few words from Laura on her internship experience at Steffes:
What does your internship entail?
My internship entails working hand in hand with the manufacturing engineering team as well as the shop floor. The main areas I have worked in have been the code shop and sub-arc areas. I have worked mainly with devices and fixtures, doing organizational projects on the shop floor.
What have you learned so far during your internship at Steffes?
I have learned quite a bit about how to model and design in SolidWorks and the different manufacturing processes involved in making projects. I have also learned what day-to-day tasks involve for Steffes manufacturing engineers, which has been very beneficial in showing me what a full-time engineering job entails.
Why did you pursue an internship at Steffes?
I chose to pursue an internship at Steffes because I was interested in working within the oil and gas industry. I also really liked being able to stay in Grand Forks since I go to school here.
What is your favorite part about interning at Steffes?
My favorite part of interning at Steffes is the people I work with. Everyone has been so helpful in aiding me to learn new things, as well as allowing me to ask questions if needed.
What is one random fact people might not know about you?
A fun fact about myself is that I have a lake cabin on Lake of the Woods in Morson, Ontario.
“Laura has been with Steffes for two semesters. During that time, she has helped with data gathering, fixture storage, and organization with prep for audits. Laura is detail oriented and very self-sufficient.” – Steffes Manufacturing Engineer Charlie Rognerud
Joe Patterson, Manufacturing Engineer Intern – Grand Forks, ND
Joe is a senior studying mechanical engineering at the University of Wisconsin Stout. Originally from Minnesota, he plans to return to the state and seek full-time employment after he graduates in 2023.
A few words from Joe on his internship experience at Steffes:
What does your internship entail?
My internship includes the maintenance, creation, and revision of manufacturing processes.
What have you learned so far during your internship at Steffes?
I have learned a little about teamwork, CAD software, time management, and communication skills during my time at Steffes.
Why did you pursue an internship at Steffes?
I was looking for a company that could offer a great environment and working experience. After hearing about what Steffes has to offer from a friend, I knew that I had to work here.
What is your favorite part about interning at Steffes?
The work experience. During the short time I have worked at Steffes, I feel that the company has offered an excellent working experience that will help me on future projects.
What is one random fact people might not know about you?
Not to brag, but I can solve the Rubik’s cube in less than a minute.
“Joe has brought previous manufacturing experience with robotics to Steffes and has worked on adding hydraulics to our robot and fixturing. Joe is very detail oriented and thorough in his projects.” – Steffes Manufacturing Engineer Charlie Rognerud
Summer internship season is one of our favorites at Steffes! Every year, we are lucky enough to enjoy the company and collaboration of several college students who work across different divisions and departments. Each of these students brings unique experiences, talents, and diversity to our teams, and as much as they learn from us during their time at Steffes, we also learn a great deal from them!
Seth is from Dickinson, ND, and is pursuing degrees in mechanical engineering and physics at North Dakota State University. Entering his junior year this fall, Seth anticipates graduating from NDSU in May 2024. After graduation, he plans to continue his education and work toward a master’s degree in his field.
Brayden hails from Beulah, ND, and is headed into his senior year at South Dakota School of Mines & Technology. He is pursuing a degree in mechanical engineering and anticipates graduating in the spring of 2024. After graduation, Brayden plans to apply to work for Steffes full-time or seek employment at a motorsports company like Polaris.
Gannon is from Fargo, ND, and is a sophomore studying electrical engineering at the University of Mary. He plans to graduate in 2025 and is looking forward to pursuing additional internship opportunities to broaden his experience before graduation.
Emily is from Fairview, MT, studying accounting, business administration, and finance at Dickinson State University. She will begin her senior year this fall and plans to enter the workforce after her spring 2023 graduation.
Broc is a University of North Dakota senior and calls Bemidji, MN, home. He is currently studying mechanical engineering with a focus on manufacturing and will graduate in the spring of 2023. After graduation, he looks forward to settling down and buying a piece of property to build a home.
Laura is also from Bemidji, MN, studying mechanical engineering at the University of North Dakota. She will begin her senior year this fall and graduate in the spring of 2023. After graduation, Laura plans to settle down in the Midwest, preferably in ND or northern MN, and work in the manufacturing or energy industries.
Joe is a senior studying mechanical engineering at the University of Wisconsin Stout. Originally from Minnesota, he plans to return to the state and seek full-time employment after he graduates in 2023.