In August 2013, Nik Greulich, a high school student at the time, started an internship at Waupaca Foundry in Tell City, Indiana. He worked with project engineers with the intention to study mechanical engineering the following year at college. However, after working with the team closely, he realized this career path was not right for him and wanted something more hands on.

"I thought I wanted to be a mechanical engineer, but I didn't have to waste time in college to find out I didn't like it."

Nik is currently an undergraduate at the University of Southern Indiana, majoring in industrial supervision — a combination of engineering, technology and business management. Nik, son of environmental engineer Brian Greulich, has worked with Waupaca Foundry for five summers. For the past three, he has been an intern in maintenance, working with a process engineering group. Nik has also had the opportunity to continue working part-time during the school year.

Nik assists with designing and fabricating production process improvements. Among many different projects, he is currently helping make processes better on the hotbox in the core room by adding platforms, assembly tables and conveyor belts, and modifying the ovens to reduce heat in the core room.

For Nik, an internship at Waupaca Foundry stands apart from others in the manufacturing industry. He spent a short amount of time at a different internship but was usually stuck doing paperwork or grunt work.

"At Waupaca Foundry, you get real-world experiences. You are out in the plant doing hands on work. It has disciplined me to get up early, go to work and work hard. Hard work pays off and you can see it."

The Summer Help Program at Waupaca Foundry provides valuable work experience and an insight into the variety of careers in the metalcasting industry. Students interested in summer employment and internships at Waupaca Foundry are encouraged to apply.