My Summer with OCI: A Hands-On Internship at Berea College

By Dylan Ben

As a business major with a minor in computer science, I was drawn to the Office of Continuous Improvement (OCI) internship at Berea College because it offered a unique mix of technical skill-building and professional development. I saw it as a chance to be empowered and challenged in ways that would benefit both my career and personal development. The opportunity to earn a Green Belt certification from the University of Tennessee and attend the Network for Change and Continuous Innovation (NCCI) conference in Atlanta made the internship stand out. I knew it would help me sharpen the skills I need to succeed in project management, especially applying Lean principles to improve processes and drive impact.

My Green Belt project focused on developing standardized training and safety protocols for Livestock Production on the college farm. The goal was to reduce risk and minimize lost time while making sure students, staff, and faculty could safely and efficiently complete daily farm operations. I worked closely with farm staff to understand the current challenges and identify areas for improvement. To address these issues, we implemented a set of safety protocols that included Job Safety Analyses (JSAs), training checklists for both staff-led and independent student sessions, and a “Train the Trainer” guide. This guide was designed to help staff train students and allow students to train their peers, making the training process more consistent and sustainable.

The results were encouraging. We achieved a Touch Time Savings of 31 minutes per formal training, which significantly reduced the time staff spent on repeated instruction. Our Rolled Throughput Yield (RTY) improved from 32% to 86%, showing a major increase in training effectiveness and equipment use accuracy. While we didn’t see immediate cost savings, the addition of visual directions also helps reduce the need for informal training, freeing up staff time for other farm operations.

Throughout the internship, I developed a wide range of skills that I’ll carry into future roles and classes. I learned how to work effectively in teams, think critically, communicate clearly, and actively listen. I also improved my ability to ask thoughtful questions, plan, and demonstrate leadership. On the technical side, I gained experience using Box for collaboration, PowerPoint for presentations, and how to create standard work and visual management. One of the things I enjoyed most was the collaborative environment. I genuinely enjoyed working with my colleagues, and teamwork came naturally. Heather’s flexibility and understanding made a big difference.

Attending the NCCI conference in Atlanta was another highlight. I got to network with professionals from across the country and attend sessions that explored the experiences of underrepresented groups in higher education. The internship also included visits to the Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, and the Toyota Plant in Georgetown, KY, which added educational and cultural value to the experience.

To future interns, I’d say this is possibly one of the best internships you’ll ever have; make the most of it! Enjoy the experience, stay open to learning, and build connections with your coworkers. Strong relationships make the work more meaningful and enjoyable.