From Classroom to Lab: A Summer of Learning and Innovation

This summer ProChem had the pleasure of hosting two talented interns. These bright students spent their time with us learning the intricacies of inorganic chemical manufacturing. Their enthusiasm and dedication were evident as they quickly adapted to our processes and contributed significantly to our production orders and ongoing projects. We asked them to share with us feedback on their experience and what they will remember about working at ProChem.

Ivan Ramos, Rockford University Class of 2025, Biochemistry Major, came to us in the summer of 2023 through a connection with his professor, Dr. Kari Severson.  He returned to us over winter break, and then again for his second summer this June.  “Thanks to this internship, I have garnered confidence and reassurance in my goals of becoming a practicing chemist.  Working for ProChem has allowed me to hone several useful skills and techniques that I believe will apply to any future opportunities I wish to pursue.”, he reflects.  He feels most proud of the perseverance and problem-solving skills he developed from his production experience. “I always feel good completing a Job Order….not everything goes as planned, which may be discouraging, but it is important to persevere and try to come up with solutions.”

Hope Sill, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Class of 2025, Chemistry Major secured her internship by reaching out directly to us inquiring about an opportunity.  Being local to Rockford, IL, she was familiar with ProChem and was excited about the ability to work close to home.  This also allowed her to fulfill her summer commitment to the Illinois Army National Guard.  In addition to both her internship and National Guard service, Hope also completed 12 credit hours this summer towards her degree.  “It was a lot to handle, but I’m glad I was able to do both.” she commented.  When asked if she would recommend this internship to other students she says, “I would recommend this internship to other students because of the broadness of the company.  By this I mean that the people who work at ProChem wear many hats and have experience in production, packaging, analytical testing, etc.  Working here is a great opportunity to try out multiple different chemistry positions and learn what you like and dislike, and eventually what you might like to pursue in your own career.”

Throughout their internships, they gained hands-on experience and developed a deeper understanding of the industry. Their fresh perspectives and innovative ideas have been invaluable, and we are grateful for their hard work and commitment.  As they return to school this month, we want to extend our heartfelt thanks for their contributions. We wish them all the best in their academic pursuits and future endeavors. We are confident that they will continue to excel and make a positive impact in the field of chemistry.

Thank you, interns, for a fantastic summer!