In a stride toward accelerating education and career paths, Jacob Austin, a recently graduated student from Cleveland State Community College, has set a benchmark by completing an associate degree in mechatronics concurrently with his high school diploma, as reported by Cleveland State's official website. Through the Tennessee Valley Early College (TVEC) program, a collaboration between the college and local schools, Austin leveraged the opportunity to fast-track his future, stating in a Cleveland State Community College interview, "I’m going to be able to get my bachelor’s degree by 20. The idea that I’m saving two years of my life by doing this now is great."
The TVEC program stands out for enabling students to dual-enroll for both high school and college credits. Jacob, who completed his capstone project this spring as a team leader, praises the hands-on experience. According to Cleveland State Community College, "All the courses are great; I’ve loved it here. This capstone project put all those to the test. I’ve learned more this semester than I learned in the other three. Doing something and getting it to work, it really pushes you." The capstone projects, which are fundamental to the mechatronics curriculum, involve designing and demonstrating a comprehensive understanding of intricate principles such as electrical, mechanical, and industrial computer controls.
Chris Jones, a mechatronics instructor at the college, commended Austin's leadership, emphasizing the importance of such roles for the students' career development. “The team leader position is meant to be a resume builder and give the students project management experience,” said Jones, according to Cleveland State Community College. Jacob's own reflection on his leadership during the capstone resonates with the intended growth opportunities, “Since I was the team leader, those leadership skills came to task," he shared.
Following his graduation, Austin began a summer internship at Mayfield Dairy in the maintenance department, and come fall, he plans to attend Middle Tennessee State University to continue his mechatronics studies. His aspirations post-bachelor's degree revolve around climbing the corporate ladder in a manufacturing company's maintenance department, with a focus set on earning a management position.
