Celebrating our Graduates: Derek Suess

Celebrating our Graduates: Derek Suess

| By: Haase, Elijah D

Career Program: Manufacturing Engineering Technology
Originally From: Brillion
Current Residence: Brillion
Age: 20
Attended FVTC: Fall 2019 - Spring 2021

Why did you choose to study this field?

I chose to study this field because I enjoy working with my hands and making things more efficient. I enjoy problem-solving and finding the source of the issue and this degree jumped out at me.

Tell us how you came to choose FVTC for your education.

I chose FVTC for my education because I have never been a large fan of school and going to a 4-year didn't make sense to me. I chose FVTC because of the hands-on opportunities and the on-the-job style classes in the programs. Being close to my hometown also played a factor.

What's been the most rewarding part of your educational journey at FVTC?

The most rewarding part of my degree is the vast range of topics we cover in my program. I now have experience with many job titles that fall under the manufacturing engineering program. Another rewarding part of my educational journey was a semester of working with other manufacturing engineers at Wabash International.

What was the most difficult part?

The most difficult part of school for me was the change to online classes when COVID-19 hit. I chose FVTC for hands-on experience, and going to all online classes was a struggle. I learn the best by seeing how things work and personally interacting with them, so when it became impossible to do that it took me a while to adjust to the new learning style.

What will you do on graduation day or in the future to celebrate graduation?

On graduation day I will probably spend the majority of the day fishing and celebrating with the friends I have made along the way. I will probably take a couple of days off and for fishing and not worry about anything for the first time since my educational journey has started.

Tell us about your plans after graduation.

After graduation, I will return to my previous job pouring concrete until I find a job in my new career field. I'm unsure if I will use this degree for the rest of my life or if I will return to school to strive for a new career field. I plan to find a job in the Fox Valley that will meet my requirements and give me the opportunity to put my degree to use.

One last parting thought or words of wisdom to share with others.

Never follow anyone else’s path, unless you’re in the woods and you’re lost and you see a path. Then by all means follow that path.