LG Chem Michigan

Biography:

LGESMI develops and manufactures large lithium-ion polymer batteries for electric vehicle and energy storage applications.

LGESMI develops and manufactures large lithium-ion polymer batteries for electric vehicle and energy storage applications. LG Chem Michigan hires an estimated 20-25 interns annually. The company is not a fortune 500 company, and they manufacture Lithium-ion batteries for Electric Vehicles. With a primary location in Holland, MI, and a tech center/packaging facility on the east side of Michigan, LG Chem is a part of the larger entity of LG Electronics with it’s headquarters in Korea, along with the majority of LG’s locations. LGESMI has a newly established Intern Program which started in Summer 2020. Even with this relatively new intern program LGESMI has turned a handful of previous interns into full time employees. LG Chem Michigan does not regularly attend the STEM expos at YSU, but maybe that will change in the future. Currently LGESMI does not require their interns to register their experience with the student’s university, but they do offer a Co-Op Program that does require students to register their experiences.

Ultium Cells, LLC – Lordstown, OH: Ultium Cells is a joint venture investment being referred between two major companies, LG Chem, and General Motors. Ultium Cells will ultimately mass produce battery cells for electric vehicles. This joint venture combines LG’s ability to create and manufacture batteries, as well as General Motors’ connections with the automotive industry and financial backing. The facility will be a 3 million square foot, zero emission manufacturing facility, and provide 1,100 new jobs. GM’s joint venture with LG Chem is expected to drive cell costs below $100 per kilowatt-hour at full volume, and the new Ultium batteries are expected to have some of the highest nickel as well as the lowest cobalt content in a large format pouch cell. Thomas Gallagher the plant director for Ultium Cells LLC is quoted with saying “This facility will lead us into a new era of manufacturing and sustainability as we push toward a zero-emissions future. We are very grateful for the Lordstown community’s continued support.” This joint venture is what allowed Kara Bischoff to have this internship opportunity, which can turn into a potential future opportunity with Ultium Cells, LLC, in Lordstown, Ohio.

Intern of the Year Kara Bischoff:

One of Youngstown State University’s own Kara Bischoff got the opportunity to participate in an internship with LGESM. When asked about Kara and her performance as an intern her previous supervisor, Charles Dailey had this to say:

What was Kara like within the organization? What kind of employee was she?

Kara was a natural fit into our organization. She was respectable, respected, and got along well with our team. Kara was the type of employee that wanted to do good work and get it right. She understood that knowing her coworkers and communicating effectively was what would provide clear expectations for herself and of myself.

How does the 2020 STEM Intern of the year Kara compare to interns of the past?

Kara was definitely in the top of those interns we have had in the past; she did not like to simply do the bare minimum, as we have seen before, but desired to work diligently and have results to show for it. Past interns have simply done was necessary, but her will was to go above the minimum expectations, desiring to not only achieve to goal, but exceed it well.

How would you describe Kara’s work ethic?

Kara’s work ethic paralleled her desire to output great work. In essence, her work ethic was proven to be excellent by the outstanding work she output. There was never a time when she seemed to be lacking motivation, rather, she was always seeking out information and never stopped asking questions.

Did the 2020 STEM Intern of the year meet, or beat your expectations set for them?

Kara absolutely beat out my expectations. Not only was she quick to perform the work assigned, she could be counted on to do as asked; she delivered, which is essential to succeeding in the workforce.

How would you describe your personal experience working with Kara?

I very much enjoyed the time spent working with Kara. She was a joy to work with and talk to. On a personal level, building rapport and trust with our work colleagues is necessary in order to cultivate an environment that values each person, and Kara was valued and also valued her teammates at LG. I would certainly work with Kara again if the opportunity arose.

Can you tell us any other interesting facts or examples of professionalism from Kara during her time at GM LG Chem?

Kara always made sure to gather my input before making any critical decisions, but made decisions regarding data analysis that also put her in control of the work she was doing without being micromanaged. Specifically, I remember being unable to be reached due to production issues. When Kara realized I was unavailable, she made sure to keep going in her work without stopping. She utilized the opportunity to come up with more than one realizable ideas. On her last day, Kara baked cookies for the team and made cards for individuals that were special to her work efforts, in order to say “thanks.” Her warm presence and bright personality were appreciated and are missed here at LG. 

Special Thanks to Charles Dailey from LG Chem Michigan