Mitchell Locklear, of Laurinburg, graduated in May from Richmond Community College with an Associate in Applied Science Degree in Electronics Engineering Technology.
While at RCC, he was a Progress Energy Power Careers Program intern and worked with the company from June 2009 until May. The internship provided a boost for his resume and skill sets.
“It was a really good experience for me. I assisted with the everyday preventative maintenance at the combustion turbine power plant in Hamlet and learned a great deal,” said Locklear. “There was a direct connection between what I learned in the classroom and later worked on in the plant.”
“We study circuits, hydraulics and pneumatics, valves, operations of equipment, schematics, motors, and pumps. You see all of those things in operation at the plant at a more detailed level. The direct application reinforces what you’ve learned,” said Locklear.
A former Marine, Locklear appreciated having a paid internship to assist with tuition. It supplemented his use of the G.I. Bill and other financial aid resources. He encourages future engineering majors to look into the program.
“This was an outstanding opportunity. I’d like to see high school students look into it so they can take full advantage of learning about what jobs are available, and if they are really interested in the field,” he said.
Locklear talked with RCC counselors about career choices before enrolling in the engineering program.
“I found RCC’s Electronics Engineering Technology program to be excellent. I suggest people not be scared away by the math, because you’ll never know until you try. There’s not just one type of person that can do this work. Anyone - male and female - could make good applicants. So many people want to pursue other tough careers, such as nursing, that I think there is a good chance they could handle and would like engineering if they gave it a shot,” he said.
While at RCC, Locklear was the treasurer for the Student Government Association, a member of Phi Theta Kappa and a math tutor.
He plans to look for a job and continue his education on a part-time basis at UNC-Charlotte or N.C. State University.
Progress Energy Plant Manager Cecil Gurganus likes the internship program for many of the same reasons Locklear does: It gives students a chance to see if what they are studying is what they want to do with their lives.
“The Power Careers program is part of our commitment to partnering with our communities. Students gain practical experience and skills that will help them find jobs. During periods when we are hiring, the program provides us an opportunity to review an intern’s work skills, habits and other qualifications and consider employing him or her after graduation,” said Gurganus.
Anyone interested in RCC’s Electronics Engineering Technology program should visit www.richmondcc.edu and click through to the department’s website.
Post a Comment
