![\"Kaitlyn](\"https:\/\/www.plugpower.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/KKemp.webp\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nRyan is beginning his second summer at Plug, but has also been working throughout the school year as part of Plug\u2019s new product introduction (NPI) team. He\u2019s been able to do everything from CAD modeling and designing test fixtures to integrating, testing, and verifying what he\u2019s built directly into prototypes for modifications to our 125kW and 30kW fuel cell systems. \u201cThe opportunities that I\u2019ve been involved with are one of the best things,\u201d he stated. \u201cI\u2019ve worked with multiple people on the NPI team. There are always new projects or questions that need answers or problem-solving. I\u2019m not just tied down to a specific area.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Both Kaitlyn and Ryan highlighted that the variety of work at Plug was among their favorite parts of the work. The ability to try new things and discover areas they enjoy is a great part of any internship, and truly encapsulates working at Plug.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ryan noted, \u201cWhen I was researching the companies in this area, Plug really stood out to me as a great company to be a part of because there are so many opportunities and so much room to learn and grow in the hydrogen business. This is a relatively new business and there are not a lot of other companies doing it like Plug. It\u2019s cool to be a part of that and just see where you go \u2013 you\u2019re really going to make a big difference.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Kaitlyn added, \u201cThere aren\u2019t a lot of companies that have a sustainability mindset for chemical engineering. When I saw Plug at a career fair, I realized Plug would be the best fit I could have to really combine both of my majors. I\u2019m excited I landed where I did.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Real world experience is a key component to internships at Plug \u2013 and the real world provides challenges not seen in the classroom in the same way. Kaitlyn stated, \u201cWe\u2019d have simulation questions at school, but applying it to what I\u2019m actually doing \u2013 this year, I feel like I\u2019m finally starting to get the hang of it.\u201d Ryan added that, \u201cThere\u2019s no right or wrong answer; there are many opportunities and options to solve the problem. You need to look at it from a lot of angles, find the best solution, and move forward. The best experience for me has been the hands on learning. In school you don\u2019t get to see what\u2019s happening, but when you\u2019re here, you do the calculations and then can go to the floor and see what you\u2019ve designed, built, and tested go to a place in need.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n When they\u2019re not working, both Ryan and Kaitlyn live active lives. Kaitlyn enjoys hiking, especially in the Adirondacks. She also played lacrosse when she was at RPI. She\u2019s currently coaching a club team and wants to continue that in the future. During Ryan\u2019s time at Buffalo, he really got into golf. When he\u2019s not working, he\u2019s likely to be on the green.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As far as what their plans are after this summer, Ryan mentioned, \u201cFor the next two years, I\u2019ll be going to Penn State for a Masters in Mechanical Engineering. I\u2019m going to continue working for Plug throughout the year remotely, so I can come back next summer and during winter break.\u201d Kaitlyn is still deciding what she wants to do next, like many people coming out of college. \u201cI do think the hydrogen industry is somewhere I\u2019ll end up no matter what. The green hydrogen industry is such a wonderful mix of my two passions, with the chemical engineering and sustainability. That\u2019s something I hold dear and really want to keep together.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Students at Plug jumpstart their careers by working collaboratively with leaders through programs that give them real world industry experience. Students are mentored by employees who are experts in their fields and receive career support and feedback, support active Plug projects and drive forward Plug\u2019s mission of the green hydrogen economy. Kaitlyn Kemp and Ryan ...<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":18,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-12461","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-blog"],"acf":[],"aioseo_notices":[],"yoast_head":"\n![\"Ryan](\"https:\/\/www.plugpower.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/RDelaney.webp\")
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