Schnitz Receives Outstanding Student Award From Dominion
Nuclear engineering is a complex field that demands special
motivation, intellect and skills to master. Adam Schnitz accepted the challenge
as a Dominion co-op, stepped forward with great ambition, and recently was nominated
for Dominion's Outstanding Student Award.
Schnitz received the nomination for accepting challenging
tasks, demonstrating responsibility and applying new skills on the job. He brought
to Dominion the great can-do attitude of a leader, and has demonstrated excellent
communications skills.
A junior at Purdue University with a nuclear engineering
degree in his sights, Schnitz learned about Dominion's student programs
through his school's co-op department.
"Between location, work opportunities, and what
I could instantly tell would be a good group of co-workers, it was clear
to me that this was the company of choice."
He said the program has since made a big impact. "I've
been able to learn professional skills that one simply doesn't get inside
of a classroom, along with far greater industry knowledge than I would
get had I not come into this opportunity.
"Particularly in my upcoming high-level courses, the
experience I gain through Dominion will definitely give me a head start at school.
After graduation, having that experience is going to be an immense help, beyond
just having an extra line or two on a résumé; the industry contacts
and additional skills will be a fantastic benefit," he added.
Schnitz is assigned to the Nuclear Analysis and Fuel Department's
Nuclear Core Design Group at Dominion's Innsbrook Technical Center in Richmond.
In his two previous co-op sessions, his tasks have included routine monthly
core performance reporting and special projects working alongside nuclear engineers.
"The monthly reports are a series of memos and calculations
that report aspects of core performance for the company," he said. "Special
projects include nuclear cycle-specific technical reports on end-of-cycle core
performance and beginning-of-cycle physics testing, as well as other calculations
in support of benchmarking projects, code libraries, etc."
When he's not completing reports or calculations, Schnitz
enjoys reading, learning the piano, and does a bit of running, but says he's
quite satisfied at work. "The Dominion employees I work with make all the
difference. Everyone is fantastic to work with."
He offered some advice for other ambitious students. "I
highly advise taking a look at the Dominion program. The opportunities you will
find here might surprise you."
Robert Brackmann: A Glimpse of the Working World
One of the biggest advantages of being a co-op, according
to Robert Brackmann, is learning how things will really work after his college
years.
"It gives me a glimpse of what the working world will
be like when I get out of school," he said. "It also gives me knowledge
that can be applied in the classroom and some that you don't learn in school."
The recommendations of others guided Brackmann's decision
to first consider Dominion's co-op program. "I heard prior co-op students
and professors saying Dominion was one of the better co-op companies."
Brackmann has completed several sessions in the Nuclear
Core Design/Nuclear Analysis and Fuel department in Richmond. His long-term
goals include a career in nuclear engineering, possibly in nuclear power.
A junior at Purdue University, Brackmann is a member
of the Beta Sigma Psi National Lutheran Fraternity, American Nuclear Society
and the Cooperative Student Association. He enjoys golf, biking and soccer.
Brackmann said his work experience has been very beneficial
and that he recommends the co-op program to others interested in nuclear
engineering. "The knowledge I have received has helped me in school,
and the work experience is great and will be beneficial for my career
pursuits."
The people I have worked with have been great and very helpful,"
he added. "Dominion is a great company to work for and the people around
you will help you in every way they can. The company really takes care of co-op
students."
