October 12, 2020
VINCENNES, Ind. - To provide greater opportunity for Purdue Polytechnic Vincennes students, Clinical Associate Professor Dr. Jim Tanoos has formed a club that allows them to engage with people and processes in their careers before they graduate.
Members of the student chapter of the Association of Technology, Management, and Applied Engineering (ATMAE) have the opportunity to network, earn certifications, and learn about innovative developments in the field of technology and applied engineering.
Purdue Polytechnic Vincennes is located on the Vincennes University campus and offers a path to a multidisciplinary technology bachelor’s degree for VU graduates with certain associate degrees.
The ATMAE chapter was established to enhance students’ abilities for their professional careers, according to Tanoos. He is interim Purdue Polytechnic Vincennes Location Director.
“ATMAE certifications can help you in obtaining the job that you really want,” said Purdue Polytechnic Vincennes ATMAE President Christopher Kutz of Calhoun, Illinois. “It also helps show you other things that employers are looking for. The annual conference this year is virtual. Normally it’s a trip to a city with robotics competitions, a case study competition, and technology seminars. This also means meeting people, making contacts, and potential job offers.”
The group hosts learning and networking opportunities. Special guests like Walt Pozgay, Senior Manager of GE Engineering Labs and a member of the ATMAE Board of Directors, meet with students.
ATMAE serves as a premier leader in developing technology, management, and applied engineering disciplines in both academia and industry.
“Many of our best students in the past have been involved in various non-academic clubs and groups, both on and off campus,” Tanoos said. “In the current environment, it's more difficult to tap into these important experiential opportunities. Many of the most successful community leaders are involved in professional industry groups, service clubs, and networking associations, which are an important part of career success. Our students’ involvement in ATMAE during their studies better integrates them into the fabric and culture of their career path.”
Purdue Polytechnic Vincennes students earn certifications sponsored by ATMAE. It is free for students and Purdue Polytechnic Vincennes covers the cost.
“Students can have the skills, connections, and know-how to enter a field with more built-in qualifications,” Tanoos said. “Our club president (Kutz) was going to go to Louisville, Kentucky for the national conference before it got converted to a virtual conference, and he'll be earning more certifications and attending workshops such as training and certification for Arduino Uno, which is a microcontroller board."
Kutz served in the U.S Navy for more than 20 years. He loves troubleshooting problems, puzzles, and solving things. He graduates next semester and hopes to work for a company where he can utilize these abilities.
“I passed the Certified Controls Engineer exam and will earn that certification,” he said. “Within the next few months, I intend on taking the Certified Technical Manager exam and the Microelectro Mechanical Systems Foundation exam. These certifications will help when applying for the job I want because it informs my future employer that I have a diverse understanding of these technical systems and maintain these certifications that meet ATMAE standards.”
For more information about the partnership between Vincennes University and Purdue Polytechnic Vincennes, visit https://polytechnic.purdue.edu/vincennes.
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