At CPACTC, students could gain hands-on career experience, bridging the gap between classroom lessons and real-world application. Isaac Sollenberger, a student from Big Spring High School, enrolled in the Automation & Electromechanical Technology program, shares his journey and how his co-op capstone experience is helping shape his future career path.
When asked why he chose to apply to and attend CPACTC, Isaac explained, “I wanted to be challenged and get a head start on my career in engineering.” His curiosity for technology and electronics led him to AET, where he found the perfect setting to nurture his passion and learn more about the industry.
As a Level III Junior, the decision to participate in co-op capstone was an easy one for him. “I decided to participate in co-op capstone because it was an opportunity to get real-world experience”. This decision paid off when he landed a role at Z-Band, a company he interacted with at the Carlisle Job Expo. After a positive encounter with Mark, a friendly and engaging supervisor, he was drawn to the environment at Z-Band, ultimately being offered and accepting a paid co-op opportunity!
At Z-Band, his role as an engineering bench technician involves a variety of responsibilities. “I assist the engineers with tasks such as soldering, designing PCBs, building power cables, designing schematics, programming microcontrollers, and assembling electrical circuits,” he explained. This hands-on experience complements the knowledge he gained in the classroom, helping him build skills that are critical in the tech industry.
One of the aspects he enjoys most about working at Z-Band is the supportive team. “The people are all so welcoming and kind and are always happy to help me with anything,” he said. However, like any challenging job, there were obstacles along the way. “Initially, I struggled to transfer my knowledge from AET to real-world problems. But after some hard work and help from my coworkers, I now rarely struggle with this problem,” he added, showcasing his growth and ability to adapt.
Looking forward, Isaac hopes to continue learning and applying his knowledge in real-world settings. After graduation, he plans to pursue a bachelor's degree in robotics, solidifying his career path and continuing to expand his skillset in this growing field.
His advice to other students considering a co-op opportunity is clear: “Do not waste the opportunity. A capstone placement can teach you so much while preparing you for the real world.” He concludes with a final bit of wisdom: “You get what you put in, so give it your all.”