Getting His Hands Dirty: Manufacturing Student's Path into Aerospace

Justin’s journey into mechanical engineering began as a manufacturing student at Irvine Valley College, where he discovered how his strengths in math and creativity could come together through engineering. From gaining hands-on experience in manufacturing to pursuing his passion for aerospace, each step has helped shape his skills, confidence, and goals for the future. In his own words, Justin shares his experience pursuing mechanical engineering.

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I have not looked back since.

Mechanical Engineering was a natural choice for me in high school. I have always been strong in math, and I have always been creative, whether it be Legos or drawing. Engineering was the natural combination of the two and I have not looked back since.

I had never been in a manufacturing environment before. It was daunting to learn the controls on multiple different machines and learn how to diagnose problems. One thing that really changed my experience was focusing on asking how and why something broke. I could have easily just asked someone to fix things for me but by trying multiple times and asking for help when needed, I learned a lot quicker. I was challenged multiple times because I worked in three very different departments. There were over a dozen unique machines I ran. My work positively impacted the team because I trained multiple employees on my machines. My quick learning capabilities translated into my supervisor trusting me to train others.

Trying multiple times and asking for help when I needed, I learned a lot quicker.

Network Kinection has helped me by showing me opportunities I did not know existed. I went to an Applied Medical job fair that they forwarded to me and the rest was history. Additionally, I went to a job fair they recommended for Pasadena City College (PCC) that ended up in an offer for Manufacturing Engineer Co-op, but the timing did not work out. The most direct connection from my coursework to my experience is my SolidWorks class. I recognized a lot of features and techniques in the drawings, and it made it easier for me to dimension parts.

I am hopeful for my future at University of California, Santa Barbara and beyond. I wish to pursue aerospace, so I am currently participating in the aerodynamics sub team at Gaucho Racing. I hope to land an internship this summer, perhaps with PCC, and I am interviewing for a part-time internship for the school year.

Don't be afraid to do the dirty work.

My advice would be to not be afraid to do the dirty work. After running machines and covering my hands with oil, an employer recognized my work and offered me a true co-op in an aerospace environment.