Learning Community Students Interview Delaware Tech Alumni at TA Instruments
A group of students from a Student Success/Computer Engineering Learning Community recently visited TA Instruments in New Castle, Delaware, where they toured the plant and were able to meet and talk with Delaware Tech alumni working as electronics engineering technicians. The students got to see firsthand – only weeks into their academic programs – what they can expect in industry once they graduate. Learning communities are combinations of courses linked together around a common topic or theme with assignments that cut across courses.
The students asked alumni Terry Blanch, Brittany Brown, Patrick Finlaw, Seth Leightner, Kyle Schuldt, Tony Sustaita, Matt Wagner, and others detailed questions about their day-to-day duties, what they gained most from their Delaware Tech education, and most importantly, how the students should prepare while at Delaware Tech for jobs in industry.
"Our students were highly engaged and asked many detailed and probing questions while our alumni were equally anxious and happy to reach back to share their experiences and offer advice," said Ron Medykiewicz, Electronic/Electrical Engineering Instructor at the Stanton Campus.
Student Xavier Scott commented "The trip to TA Instruments was the best first step towards becoming an engineer/technician. It allowed me and my fellow students to get a visual representation of our future careers." Others students said that it was good to see a real working high tech plant and see that Delaware Tech alumni were willing to help and share.
The trip was facilitated by Julie Miller, HR Director at TA Instruments, as well as several Production Managers.
"We want to thank TA Instruments for their gracious and generous hospitality that they and everyone at TA extended to our Delaware Tech Learning Community students!" said Medykiewicz.
PHOTO:
From left: Favour Mwiti, Bradley Maxwell, Ron Medykiewicz (Instructor), Alexander Darby, Ashley Justus, Xavier Scott, Edyn Poster, Zachary Avenarius. Not in photo: Leroy Motley, D’Jon Samuel, Bethany Smith, Justin Toy.
