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Forward-thinking partnerships between students and local industry allow university and high school students to engage directly with industry professionals in gaining hands-on experience, developing in-demand skills, and broadening their career horizons.
The Electronics Foundation (formerly IPC Education Foundation), part of the Global Electronics Association, is focused on preparing U.S. students for careers in the electronics industry by fostering collaborations through student chapters.
Here, we feature five initiatives that are cultivating a new generation of talent ready to meet the challenges and innovations of modern manufacturing.
The Auburn University Student Chapter
The Auburn Student Chapter in Georgia hosted a virtual guest speaker session with Matthew Geyer, supervisor of Early Careers Global Talent Acquisition at Zebra Technologies in Naperville, Illinois. He spoke about resumé building and interview preparation, and students appreciated his energy and practical advice.
The Auburn student chapter leadership also participated in a tour of the Kia West Point Assembly Plant, where they saw high-volume electronics and automotive manufacturing in action. “It was such an eye-opening experience,” says Waad Tarman, outgoing chapter president. “We really enjoyed seeing how the entire production process flows seamlessly from start to finish. The mix of advanced robotics with skilled human work was impressive, and we loved observing the teamwork on the assembly line.”
One special moment for Waad was watching a finished car come off the assembly line every 60 seconds. “It was fascinating to see how every detail is checked before it rolls off the line,” she says.
The facility tour also demonstrated a wide range of STEM, business, and skilled trade career pathways that align with their interests, whether technical, managerial, or operations
Continue reading here to learn about four other chapters spotlighted in the Fall 2025 issue of Community Magazine.
