Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

The New Chapter: Our Introduction to the Electronics Industry

IPC’s Board of Directors previous student liaison, Paige Fiet, and current student liaison, Hannah Nelson are combining their talents as new columnists for I-Connect007. Through their column, they will share their thoughts and experiences as student engineers and the transition to the workforce. In this first column, they discuss their backgrounds in the electronics industry and their position on the Board of Directors.

Paige Fiet: I recently graduated from Michigan Technological University with my Bachelor of Science in electrical engineering. In January 2022, I joined TTM-Logan as a process engineer in the solder mask department. Prior to graduating from MTU, I served as president of the IPC Electronics Club at MTU as well as the student board member on IPC’s Board of Directors.

Hannah Nelson: I am currently a junior electrical engineering major at Valparaiso University with a minor in mathematics. I am the president of the IPC student chapter at Valpo, and I currently work as a co-op engineer for Caterpillar Inc. I am also serving one term as the IPC Student Director on IPC's Board of Directors.

Fiet: I was first introduced to the electronics industry via my first two internships at Avon Protection Systems in Cadillac, Michigan and Calumet Electronics in Calumet, Michigan. How about you, Hannah?

Nelson: My first introduction to the electronics industry was leading Valpo's student IPC chapter, although I did not become fully immersed in the industry until the IPC APEX EXPO 2022. What made you want to pursue engineering?

Fiet: Engineering was an easy choice for me. Both my father and brother are engineers. I always liked problem solving and “getting my hands dirty” so engineering just came naturally. What made you choose engineering?

Nelson: Engineering, to me, is a way I can creatively innovate my own thoughts and ideas into physical technology, but it hasn’t always been that way. I originally resented engineering and thought of the career as a chore that my mother wanted me to pursue, but as soon as I stepped on the Valparaiso University campus, I knew the career I chose was my vocation. The career choice soon began to engulf every aspect of my life—how I spent my time, who my friends were, and how I spoke to my peers. I know we both have experience serving as presidents of our IPC student chapters. What was that like for you?

Fiet: I spent a year as president of the IPC Student Chapter at MTU. Unfortunately, the year of my presidency began in parallel with the COVID-19 pandemic. However, I saw the resilience in my peers as we met with sponsor companies and industry experts to learn more about the electronics industry. The IPC Education Foundation was incredible in working to develop online content for our students. We were able to watch webinars for career panels and take training classes through their website.

Nelson: As the president of Valpo's chapter, it is incredible to see the growth in the program. As the chapter continues to grow, it seems like the creativity of our students also grows, as do the programs that they are presented with. There is still so much growth for skills that students need before they enter the workforce, but that is what our chapter is trying help with.

Fiet: I’m so glad you’ve had that experience. When I was a junior in college, I was just starting to figure out what I wanted to do post-graduation. What part of the electronics industry are you thinking about working in?

Nelson: Well, as a current junior, I graduate May 2023 and I am honestly still trying to figure out my future career. Currently though, I am passionate about exploring the renewable energy and aerospace divisions of the electronics industry.

Fiet: You have a really bright future ahead of you. I am very impressed with what I’ve seen so far, and I could not have chosen a better successor for my position on IPC’s Board of Directors. The Board was wonderful to work with and I really learned a lot about the varying aspects of the industry and what’s important to each of them. It was also exciting to share feedback from a student’s perspective. What did you think when you first met the Board at IPC APEX EXPO?

Nelson: My first time meeting the board was incredible. The best part was understanding that even though they are well respected in their careers, they are people too. They have not only mentored me to find my passion in the electronics industry, but they have also given me the opportunity to help bridge the gaps that I see in my own education. How was the transition from college to a professional career?

Fiet: I think the transition was made easier due to my internship experiences. I was able to learn from industry professionals who mentored me on workplace etiquette, enhanced my problem-solving skills, and who support me even now. You have some internship experiences, don’t you Hannah? What has that been like?

Nelson: At first, I thought the transition between school and my internship was difficult, but what helped me was networking with other company employees. I was not only able to learn more about Caterpillar's company culture, but I was also able to realize that these individuals were there to help me grow throughout my internship.

Fiet: It’s been nice getting to know you, Hannah.

Nelson: You as well, I’ll see you at IPC SummerCom.

Paige Fiet is a process engineer at TTM-Logan. Hannah Nelson is a student at Valparaiso University. Both are in the IPC Emerging Engineer Program.