Innovation doesn’t just come from the products we build, it comes from the people who build them. That’s why we’re committed to investing in the next generation of professionals by providing hands-on learning experiences that go beyond the classroom. This summer, we welcomed Tyler Wolf, an Engineering Technology student from The Ohio State University, to our team as an Engineering Intern. We caught up with Tyler to hear about his experience, what he’s learned, and why manufacturing has reinforced his passion for engineering.
For Tyler, engineering has always felt like the right fit. “I always knew I wanted to go into engineering,” he said. “My favorite toys growing up were things I could build or tinker with.” While he knew engineering was in his future, choosing a specialty wasn’t easy. That’s what drew him to Ohio State’s Engineering Technology program. “I’ve always been indecisive about what type of engineering I wanted to pursue. Engineering Technology covers almost every aspect of engineering and is designed to prepare students for careers immediately after graduation, so (DECA Manufacturing) was exactly what I was looking for.”
Like many college students, Tyler spent time searching for an internship before the right opportunity came along. “It was honestly perfect timing,” he explained. “I had been looking for an internship without much luck when I received an email about DECA Manufacturing. I figured, ‘What the heck?’ and sent my resume. I got a response the very next day.” That quick response led to an internship where no two days have looked the same.
One of the first things Tyler noticed at DECA was that engineers aren’t confined to a single role. His first few weeks were spent on the production floor learning DECA’s manufacturing processes firsthand. From there, he transitioned into tooling projects before expanding into maintenance, quality, quoting, machine operation, project leadership, supplier research, and prototyping new customer parts. “I’ve learned how versatile engineers really are,” Tyler said. “We can make almost anything a little better, and we’re constantly helping different departments solve problems.” Perhaps even more valuable has been learning to balance multiple priorities. “At times I was juggling several projects, questions, and requests all at once. Learning how to prioritize and manage my time is something you don’t really learn in a classroom.”
While the technical experience has been invaluable, Tyler says one of the biggest takeaways has been the people. “The biggest piece of advice I’d give other students is simply to talk to people,” he said. “Talk to your coworkers, your managers, customers, everyone. Everyone has knowledge and advice you can learn from.” He also appreciated DECA’s collaborative culture and the opportunity to learn directly from leaders throughout the company. “I’ve had the chance to learn about quoting, communicate with customers and suppliers, and even have conversations with the CEO, Cameron Haring, about the business. That’s not something you get everywhere.”
Rather than changing Tyler’s career goals, his internship confirmed he had chosen the right path. “Working at DECA hasn’t changed the career I want, but it has definitely prepared me for it and confirmed this is the future I want.” The combination of technical experience, business exposure, and mentorship has given him confidence as he continues pursuing his engineering degree.
Outside of work and school, Tyler enjoys spending time outdoors hiking trails around Mohican State Forest and Pleasant Hill Dam. He’s also an avid fisherman who hopes to one day cross catching a tuna or even a shark off his bucket list. While he describes himself as quiet when meeting new people, he admits that’s only temporary. “I may not talk much when I first meet someone, but once I get to know people, I can talk their heads off.”
Our internship programs are about more than gaining work experience, they’re about preparing students with real-world knowledge, mentorship, and opportunities to grow. Tyler’s experience demonstrates the value of combining classroom learning with hands-on manufacturing experience. We’re proud to support students as they take the next step in their careers. We look forward to continuing to build relationships with exceptional students and universities like The Ohio State University while investing in the future of manufacturing, one intern at a time.