Each summer, Ergoseal welcomes talented college students to gain hands-on experience in engineering, manufacturing, quality, and operations. Our internship commitment allows students to work alongside experienced professionals while contributing to real-world projects that support customers around the globe.
This summer, we're proud to introduce three engineering interns who are already making an impact: Mihajlo Stankovic, Theodora Prosiliakos, and Vasiliki Fournier.
Currently in his second year at McHenry County College as a freshman credit-wise, Stankovic is preparing to transfer to the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign to study aerospace engineering. But his ambitions extend far beyond the Midwest. "I hope to eventually work in the space industry and specialize in rocket propulsion," he said.
What strikes him most about Ergoseal? He enjoys the environment and finds everyone friendly and welcoming.
"What stood out to me most was the easygoing yet professional atmosphere," he said.
He's also thinking strategically about his future. "I feel like many of the things we are getting trained on here will translate into other industries and companies since there are some common things that everyone uses."
Still, his curiosity points toward the shop floor. If he could switch places with anyone for a day, he'd trade positions with one of the machinists. "I spent a lot of time on the shop floor and am interested in learning how to operate a CNC machine," he said. It's the kind of hands-on expertise that bridges design and reality — something that could serve him well in whatever direction his career takes.
She arrived at Ergoseal through a personal connection: Thomaie Neris (Hilaris' sister and engineering lead Ryan Neris' wife), whom she'd met weeks before the summer began. When Theodora expressed her interest in the company, the opportunity opened up naturally. Now, her primary focus is engineering support for production and operations, including engineering drawings, SolidWorks , Excel spreadsheets, and the fundamentals of seal production.
"The Ergoseal Team is a highly collaborative and trusting company to witness," Prosiliakos observed. "Each department regularly interacts with each other and works together to solve any issues that may arise. There is a big emphasis on employee satisfaction as well as appreciation." What surprised her most was the level and variety of customers the company works with.
After graduation, Prosiliakos aims to work in manufacturing processes, material and design selection, or aerodynamic concepts within the aerospace industry. This summer is exactly the kind of real-world experience she needs.
"My internship has challenged my thoughts on the type of company I would like to work with a few years down the line," she reflected. "I have found a fascination with individual mechanical parts, manufacturing techniques applicable, and finding solutions to unconventional problems that arise."
If she could shadow anyone for a day, she'd choose Niko, the manufacturing manager and engineer.
"He seems to have a large variety of work, from sitting down with engineering drawings to walking around the shop for troubleshooting issues. He has the cool opportunity to decide what is manufacturable onsite and the process that would be involved with fulfilling any customer requests."
It's the dual perspective of technical depth and operational breadth that appeals to her.
"I already knew a few employees at Ergoseal through my church," she explained. After a conversation with Hilaris about her interest in gaining engineering experience, she submitted her resume, interviewed with Neris and the team, and received an offer shortly thereafter.
An incoming junior at Purdue University studying mechanical engineering, Fournier has already tackled an impressive range of projects this summer. Her work includes creating RFQ drawing packages, reviewing and approving vendor drawings, writing Mechanical Seal Inspection Work Instructions, improving Engineering Standards documentation, performing load testing on wave springs, and assisting with seal assembly and testing. That variety has been deliberate and invaluable.
"The variety of projects has allowed me to contribute to the team while expanding both my technical knowledge and practical engineering skills," she said. But beyond the technical work, something about the company's culture has left a mark.
"My biggest impression of Ergoseal has been how collaborative and communicative the entire company is. Everyone is willing to help one another, and each department plays an important role in the success of every project."
What surprised her was how interconnected everything really is.
"Tasks that initially seem engineering-focused often involve collaboration with sales, purchasing, quality, and manufacturing as well. It has been a great experience to be part of a company where teamwork and communication are such important parts of the culture."
When asked whose role she'd like to try for a day, Fournier chose Hilaris or Neris.
"Both have a wide range of responsibilities and serve as an important link between customers and the rest of the company. Their roles combine technical work with leadership and communication, which is something I find very interesting. Since they are involved in so many different projects and decisions, no two days seem exactly the same."
Looking ahead to her career, Fournier hopes to work as a mechanical engineer in the Chicagoland area doing design and management work. And based on her experience this summer, she's well on her way.
"I have gained experience using tools such as SolidWorks and Microsoft Excel, while also learning more about the complete process of designing, manufacturing, and delivering products. Just as importantly, I have learned the value of effective communication, teamwork, and collaboration from all of the employees at the company."
At Ergoseal, we're not interested in busy work or coffee-running duties. Our interns are trusted with real projects, real responsibilities, and real opportunities to learn from experienced professionals. This year’s interns have each brought their own unique perspectives to our team — and they're already making a difference.
As we reflect on what makes a strong internship program, one thought from our leadership sums it up best:
"Creating opportunities for engineering students is an important part of Ergoseal's commitment to supporting the future of the industry. Internships give students the opportunity to apply their knowledge in a real manufacturing environment while bringing fresh perspectives, new ideas, and enthusiasm to our team. By mentoring the next generation of engineers, we're supporting the development of future talent, while also strengthening our organizational impact through innovative thinking and shared learning."
— Lazarus Adamidis, Business Operations Manager
We're proud to invest in the next generation. Stay tuned as we continue to celebrate the people who power Ergoseal.
If you're interested in learning more about Ergoseal or are faced with a sealing challenge, we'd love to hear from you. Contact us today.