Major: Mechanical Engineering
Class: 2006
What is your current job title/name of the company?
I am currently employed by the USAF as a T-6A instructor pilot at Columbus AFB, MS teaching primary pilot training to new pilot trainees.
Has your MSOE education prepared you for the workforce? If so, how?
My job does not use any of the technical aspects of my college education, however the rigorous curriculum at MSOE prepared me well for the tough academic and flying training program of air force pilot training.
What advice do you have for current or prospective MSOE students?
The advice that I have for students is:
- Work hard at whatever you have before you. The things you learn in college won't necessarily apply to what you will do once you graduate but the work ethic and record you leave college with will follow you. Companies and graduate schools will look at how well you did in college and not necessarily what major you were.
- Do as many things as you can fit into your college schedule (intramurals, intercollegiate sports, clubs, etc.)
- Video games waste more of your time than you know and you would be much better off studying, playing foosball, or doing something interactive with other people because your World of Warcraft world records will do nothing for you in the real world.
- Have as much fun as humanly possible.
What are your tips for success?
If you are a person that likes new experiences and traveling the world, I would highly recommend looking into the USAF. The commitment incurred is only 4 years and the leadership experience gained in those four years will definitely help you in future ventures and management positions that you may encounter later in life. My commitment after pilot training is 10 years, but the time as flown by...literally.