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For Erick, pursuing an associate degree in mechanical engineering was not easy. As a first-generation college student, he was navigating unfamiliar territory. When he joined Future Link in his first year at Montgomery College in 2021, he was unsure whether he could meet the rigor of his major or what his future as an engineer might hold.
Through Future Link, Erick found a community invested in his success – “my team,” as he affectionately calls them. He received support from a dedicated Mentor, Steve, and Career Coach, Andy, as well as tutoring in calculus and physics, mental health resources, informational interviews, paid internships, and staff who regularly checked in on him. He also received tuition scholarships and budgeting assistance. Erick’s journey became one of perseverance, growth, and discovering the strength in asking for help.
A pivotal opportunity came through an internship with DAVIS Construction, where Erick discovered an interest in construction management. He was drawn to the coordination, problem-solving, and teamwork involved in bringing complex projects to life. With only a few courses remaining in his associate degree, Erick and “his team” used informational interviews and career exploration to turn that interest into a career path.
Today, Erick has completed his degree and launched his career as a Project Engineer at HITT. He was selected for HITT’s five-year Futures program, which provides hands-on training on an active job site. Erick is currently assigned to a data center project. As his skills grow, so does his scope: he is steadily taking on supervision of more areas within his project. “It’s so cool to learn so many things and be assigned more responsibilities,” he says. The program will expose him to specialized tracks in mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and safety, building his depth of industry knowledge.
“When I started college, I wasn’t sure I could get through it and continuously doubted myself. Future Link helped me realize I didn’t have to do it alone. So many awesome professionals became ‘my support team,’ and they helped me get through classes, think about myself differently, and feel that I am worth something. I learned to ask for help and believe in my abilities – that’s HUGE for me since I always struggled with communication. Now, as a Project Engineer at HITT, I can see how far I’ve come.”
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