I began my engineering career at my local community college, Hudson Valley Community College (HVCC) in their Mechanical Engineering Technology degree program where I took introductory courses in engineering. I was able to learn geometric dimensioning and tolerancing, blueprint reading, computer-aided design, statics and strength of materials, electrical circuits, and material science. I began to wonder how I thought of doing anything else prior; I knew I was meant to be an engineer.
Upon completing courses at HVCC, I transferred to SUNY Polytechnic Institute (SUNY Poly) in Utica, NY as they were the closest state university to offer my major. During my first semester at SUNY Poly I enrolled as a part time student. My first courses were “Thermodynamics” and “Production and Operation Management.” In my production and operation management course, we assisted an organization that utilized volunteers who would 3D-print prosthetics for under-served populations. We assisted in research and development, production, quality control, inventory management, and communications. This was a great opportunity to utilize and gain engineering skills hands-on. I was elected by my peers to be the manager and I got the chance to play a role in each of the teams. It was really rewarding being able to use my engineering skills to change someone’s life for the better. The following semester I became a full-time student at SUNY Poly and began to dive into my curriculum. I was inducted into Tau Alpha Pi, the engineering technology honor society, that semester.
In my Fall 2018 semester, I began to get involved in clubs at college. I joined the Fabrication Club where we designed and built a “battle bot” to compete in competition and I joined the Academy of Model Aeronautics Club where I attended a workshop to build my own “Tiny Whoop” drone. In addition to working on fun activities I was able to meet people in other majors on campus and perform volunteer and community service activities for the community and campus. I volunteered at SUNY Poly’s “Manufacturing Day” which was when I first heard of Indium Corporation.
In my senior year of college I began to think of what I wanted to do with my degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology. Mechanical Engineering Technology has so many diverse opportunities and I began to question what I was most passionate about. I looked back at everything I had learned thus far in my career as an engineering student and my favorite class was materials science.
As I began to look at opportunities in my field of interest, it seemed almost surreal that a world-wide manufacturing and supply company in the materials science industry was right in Utica, which I considered my new home! As I researched the company more, I learned that they have been around for 85 years! As someone who recognizes how economy-driven manufacturing is, to me this meant they were doing something right. I knew I had to work for Indium Corporation.
I waited for the chance to apply for the internship program at Indium Corporation and I didn’t just apply to one of the positions, I shamelessly applied to all of them. I knew I wanted to be a part of Indium Corporation. I had the opportunity to be selected as the Engineered Solders Intern this summer working for Tim Jensen, Senior Product Manager in Solder Preform & Thermal Technology. Since being selected for the Engineered Solders Internship, I have been able to learn from professionals in the field of material science and work with different thermal interface materials in novel ways. I couldn’t have asked for a better internship that fits my skills and interests and look forward to the work I can continue to do while I am here.
May the force be with you, Meaghan.