NCCC Success Story

Hometown
Wharton, N.J., currently living in Davenport, Iowa

Degree programs
AOS, Computer Integrated Machining Technology

Year of graduation
2008

Place of employment
Rock Island Arsenal, Rock Island, Ill.

Job title and work responsibilities
I am a machinist and work a Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) machine to create precision parts for equipment in support of the U.S. Army. I plan my work through blueprints and other work specifications and program essential information into the machine. I determine, measure, calculate and check and double check metal tolerances on parts that we make for heavy military equipment. I also clean and monitor the large machine to make sure it doesn't crash in the middle of a project.

How my career relates to my degree from RIT/NTID
I learned and trained on the CNC machines in our classroom at RIT/NTID, and when I went on co-op here at Rock Island Arsenal, I worked on machines that were almost the same type of machine as I learned to use at NTID. RIA's machinery was a little more high-tech and the machines were bigger, but my training helped me adjust quickly. My employer hired me right after I completed my co-op and held the job for me while I completed my degree.