- Major: Industrial and Systems Engineering
- Company: DENSO Manufacturing, FedEx, PepsiCo
- Graduation Year: 2024
- E-mail: jseals15@vols.utk.edu
Profile
Hello! My name is Jacob Seals, and I'm an Industrial and Systems Engineering major from Surgoinsville, TN. My main interests are in engineering management, optimization, and process improvement. I am a proud first-generation college student, and I love to read and hangout with the friends I've made at UT! I have done co-ops with two companies, totaling four rotations, and one internship.
My first co-op was one rotation with DENSO Manufacturing in Maryville, TN. There, I found room for improvement in ergonomics and productivity, especially in an area where operators were stacking boxes. The box movement process created motions that caused aches and pains and lengthened the cycle time due to motion waste. The solution my team designed is a machine that combines a lift and a stacker/de-stacker, automating the stacking of boxes. The machine removes the strenuous motions, reducing ergonomic risk and cycle time.
I have also worked three co-op rotations with FedEx Supply Chain in their Project Engineering team. During my first rotation, I was able to travel and visit multiple distribution centers, observing how they operate, conducting time studies, and recommending improvements. I learned how the 3rd party logistics field functions and how they form their deliverables. In my second and third rotation, I focused on internal process improvement and engineering management.
This past summer, I interned with PepsiCo in Chicago, where I worked on process improvement techniques that involved standardization of business reviews with 74 manufacturing sites and data visualization for key business decisions using Power BI.
Co-ops and internships are an incredible learning experience and a great resume booster. They allow you to find out what you love to do (and more importantly, don't love to do). There are so many options, it's easy to change positions and companies, and you get to earn some money. I understand feeling nervous or inadequate when thinking about starting a work experience, so please reach out to the Engineering Professional Practice Office for guidance and help! If you have any questions, email me anytime.
