ILSTU Technology Student Ambassadors

Our ambassadors got to talk to prospective students at the Open House yesterday!

Come join us on Oct 1st at 1pm for a FUN Scavenger Hunt with a Cookout! We will have free food. RSVP through the QR code!

Hey Everyone! Welcome back and HAPPY EARTH WEEK! This Wisdom Wednesday features an SRE alum! Read on for his advice for all our technology based students!

Name: Josh Bertolet
Major: Renewable energy technology
Year: 2013(I think)
Occupation: IBEW inside wireman

Advice: Show up and get involved. Being present for every class goes a long way in establishing a relationship with professors. Making it a habit translates to the career when you are viewed as dependable and reliable. Being involved will help you understand what your interests are and what kind of career you want to pursue. Some of those extracurricular activities

Don’t pigeon hole yourself into a career directly related to your degree. Part of getting a degree establishes that you are capable of following through to completion with a tough task. You’ve managed to negotiate the bureaucracy that is US higher education. You’ve invested in yourself that you have the ability to succeed when it’s hard.

My career diverged from renewable energy but remained in the energy sector. I pursued a career through the IBEW apprenticeship program shortly after graduation. The pay and benefits are what initially attracted me. The work variety and brotherhood with fellow electricians are what keep me. I’m currently working on the expansion of the Rivian plant in Normal.

Welcome to our final Major Monday! The last Major to highlight in the department is Engineering Technology!

What is your major all about?
Engineering Technology at Illinois State University is an applied program that allows students to explore the integration of engineering principles and modern technology. The courses in Engineering Technology focus on the management of people, processes, and materials through hands-on, application-oriented activities. As a result, our students are well equipped to become technically-oriented managerial professionals and leaders in business and industry.

Does your major have any affiliated RSO's?
Our RSO is Engineering Technology (ET) Club. The ET Club is an ISU registered student organization with the goal of allowing the students to pursue their skills and knowledge in a fun alternative environment outside the classroom. This is achieved through regularly scheduled meetings with key-note speakers, field trips, national competitions, and other group activities.

What are some job opportunities in your major?
Most graduates from our Engineering Technology program have the word "Engineer" in their job title. So what is the difference between Engineering and Engineering Technology programs?

While Engineering majors eventually do work involving conceptual design or research and development with a heavy use of analytical tools and theoretical design, the Engineering Technology program at Illinois State will prepare you to improve engineering processes, manage projects, and apply existing technology to solve complex problems.

Job titles include:
Project Engineer
Process Engineer
Production Engineer
Quality Engineer
Manufacturing Engineer

Is there anything you would like to highlight about your major?