Running head: Non-Destructive Testing Interview

Non-Destructive Testing Interview

Gabriel A. Willer
Salt Lake Community College

Non-Destructive Testing Interview

Abstract
The following project will highlight the daily routine of someone who works in the field of NonDestructive Testing (NDT). After reading, you will gain knowledge about what Non-Destructive
Testing is and how to go about obtaining a degree in this career shall it pique your interest. The
environment for this career can be mostly serious and strict, but what I found out was contrary to
what I had believed thus far.
Keywords: Non-Destructive Testing, Organizational, Structure, Writing

Non-Destructive Testing Interview

Non-Destructive Testing consists of many analysis methods used in science and industry
to examine and evaluate a material or component without causing damage. Individuals who
work in this field must adhere in following procedures and guidelines. Hard work and safety
goes a long way for one who strives to advance in this career path. The relationships one makes
at a job in the industry is usually formal and business oriented. However, the practical jokes that
go on within a group cannot be denied.
Methodology
Initially, the Internet was used to conduct a search of potential interviewees. Upon
further brainstorming, I decided to interview someone who also attended Salt Lake Community
College: a NDT instructor, Lamont Hornbeck. Mr. Hornbeck was contacted via e-mail to ask if
he wouldnt mind taking time out of his busy schedule for a brief interview. He obliged, and was
happy to participate in the interview process. Review of the program requirements for NDT was
necessary, and located on the Salt Lake Community Colleges website.
Results
Make sure the reader knows what source: Mr. Hornbeck expressed that employees
working at a company which uses NDT methods are expected and required to follow guidelines
that are code specific. There isnt much wiggle room as far as the end result of a specific
procedure. However, from talking with Mr. Hornbeck, he has stated that in all his twenty years
of working at a single company he has devised shortcuts and more efficient ways of getting to
said end result. This is goes against the norm, but remarkably, it is not frowned upon.

Non-Destructive Testing Interview

What is common knowledge across the board is that hard work pays off. This is the case
with NDT, because besides the hard work, good work need be done in the name of safety.
Countless lives are at risk with every interpretation a technician reports.
A practical joke that was once played in the shop involved a metal lunchbox and a metal
table. While the targeted employee was away from the lunchroom someone, name need not
mention, decided to tack weld a certain someones lunchbox to the table. Unbeknownst to the
man, when he arrived to retrieve his lunch he just about fell to the floor. The room erupted with
laughter as the mans face grew red with humiliation. The overall layout of the company Mr.
Hornbeck works for is quite standard for a production factory type. There are the expected
offices bordering the warehouse floor, and each employee has his/her own work space.
However, some employees aid with multiple projects and can be seen all around the shop. A lot
of noise occurs in this environment, and everyone plays a part in this organized chaos. The
political climate in the industry seems to be moderate to conservative. There are suits that come
into the building, but most people can be seen wearing protective clothing and equipment.
Although there are specific titles among employees, everyone contributes in a team
manner. An outsider would not know who held what rank within the company, because each
individual played on the same level as the next. Most people had photos of family and friends on
the wall near where they worked. Paul Schulman hints toward this synergy in his article entitled
The Negotiated Order of Organizational Reliability.
Mr. Hornbeck explained that the writer of a technical document must convey a direct and
comprehensible report or letter to readers. In the case of lab reports, the writer must use plain
language as well as specific jargon related to the field. Each step of a procedure has to be easily

Non-Destructive Testing Interview

understood by the reader in order for the reader to replicate the test without hiccup. The designs
of these papers vary, but most include a graphic depicting the test part and any related materials.
Discussion
The stories that Mr. Hornbeck shared during the interview, as well as in the classroom,
were amusing. His first-hand experiences are worth more than any plain lecture, and are
ingrained in those privileged to hear him speak of them.
Upon completion of the interview the knowledge the author acquired was beneficial in
that it provided additional information to the ins and outs of the trade. It is understood that no
matter what path one chooses in this vast field of study, it should be noted, that a structured
organized culture will exist. Relationships on a friendly or professional level, regardless of
status, will be made and broken. What matters is how one reacts to, or takes advantage of,
certain situations which will either help or create a barrier. While relationships can take on a
playful state, when it comes to work everyone means business. There is a time for work as is
there a time for practical jokes. From what was seen joking and working were never used in the
same sentence.
Communication is a key factor in how productive an entity will be as an end result, and
experience shows that this industry requires clear and concise direction. Feedback is necessary
to deal with issues on a daily basis. What one person knows another may not. Teamwork is
expected and a valuable tool in this vast field of study.
Why do many people choose to go to college rather than work at a menial, mindless job
the rest of their lives? The answer is they would rather have a career than a job. People hope to
get satisfaction from the work they do. It is apparent that people in the NDT industry enjoy
helping people by taking pride in the work they do. At this company, maybe in most of the

Non-Destructive Testing Interview

industry, people seem cheery and eager to get work done. Just by observing one could get the
sense that there is an uplifting aura within these walls.
Conclusion and Recommendations
In summary, Non-Destructive Testing is a great field of study for one who is analytical
and good with ones hands. A student in NDT wishes to engage in a career that contributes to a
safer world. The fact is the day-to-day aspects, including the technical writing, of this career are
taken very seriously, yet that doesnt necessarily translate to a bland and boring workplace.
As with any chosen employment the people whom work there are humans, and groups of
humans possess a multitude of personalities. Most people, if not all, want a fun place to work.
What better way to stir up the mood than with a practical joke. After all, a happy employee is a
productive employee.
I choose to further my education in the field by continuing onto Utah Valley University
to pursue my bachelors degree in Technology Management. I believe this is the route for me to
go while I apply for internship at a local aerospace manufacturer.

Non-Destructive Testing Interview

References
Schulman, P. (2016). The negotiated order of organizational reliability. Sage Journals. Retrieved
from http://aas.sagepub.com/content/25/3/353.short
Norden. (2004, February 28). Nordicinnovation.org. Retrieved from
http://nordicinnovation.org/Publications/non-destructive-testing-methods-for-integritydetermination-of-concrete-structures/