Meet Kelsey Riffle!

Major: Materials Science and Engineering

Graduated: 2018

Currently works for: ArcelorMittal

Job Title: Quality Engineer

Currently living in: Chicago

What do you do at your job?

I’ve recently switched departments, Hot Strip Mill to Steel Producing, but an average day is looking at what was produced the previous day and whether it’s acceptable for the next process or the customer. In the Hot Strip Mill, I looked at every coil that was

assigned a defect that came off of the mill. I’d determine if the coil was acceptable for the customer, if the defect could be fixed with some extra processing, or if the coil needed to be assigned to a new order. Now that I’m in Steel Producing, I do the same thing but with slabs. When daily dispositioning is complete, I work on projects to improve the quality of our products to save the company time and money.

What is your favorite part about your job?

I love how every day is different. I have routine of looking at defects but the defects that are encountered are different from the previous day. Some days the defects affect the surface of the material and others the defects affect the mechanical properties. I’m able to use my knowledge of common defects to create my own projects to improve the process and avoid these defects in the future. Plus I get to see molten metal and red hot slabs on a daily basis.

Where do you see yourself in ten years?

It’s so hard to say where I’ll be in ten years as it changes when I find new things that I’m interested in. I’m in the process of applying to a Masters in Engineering Management program to better prepare myself to be a manager within the steel industry. At the moment, I plan to finish my MEM degree within 3 years and work my way to becoming a manager of a quality assurance department.

What was your favorite part about being in SWE at Ohio State? What were some of the events you were involved in?

I loved having all of these amazing women around me when walking to and from classes or when I was in the library doing homework. It’s so different being in the “real world” and not having as many women around. My favorite events were craft nights! I still have a few of my canvas paintings around my apartment.

Did you do an internship while at OSU?

I interned at ArcelorMittal in Burns Harbor, IN for 2 summers.

What did you do in undergrad that best helped you prepare for your career/future?

The best thing I did was learn how to learn. There is so much technical jargon that you won’t know going into your career so knowing when to ask questions and what questions to ask is super helpful. If you don’t understand something, ASK! Most people want to help you understand the field and will gladly answer your questions.

Do you have any advice for current SWE members? What do you wish you knew in college?

I wish I knew how much of an impact going outside of your comfort zone can make. Starting a new career is terrifying especially if you move away from your family. But it’s also a chance to make something for yourself. Never stop learning and always push yourself to try something new. You never know what the results might be.