Future Faces: Kevin Nguyen

Dunwoody College student Kevin Nguyen has always had a knack for science, math, and engineering — in fact, he graduated from Blaine High School’s Center for Engineering, Mathematics, and Science (CEMS) in 2023. Now, he’s gearing up for a career in Automated Systems and Robotics (ASRO). Read on to find out how he got his start in manufacturing, and where he hopes his career will take him:

First, share a bit about yourself. What first piqued your interest in manufacturing? Have you found your “niche” yet?

The CEMS program I was a part of in high school was the first of many opportunities I was fortunate enough to be given that developed my interest in technical careers. CEMS offered additional class options to experience technical courses while I was still in high school. During the program, I took an Intro to Civil Engineering and Architecture course, where I appreciated the opportunity to design and plan. Then, within the Environmental Sustainability class, I enjoyed seeing a real problem and trying to figure out a solution. My love for technical work was cemented during my senior year capstone project, where I got a chance to work with my peers. We were given the task of finding our own real world problem to make a viable solution. This project showed me how enjoyable problem solving, designing and hands on work can be, and I knew I wanted to seek a career that had these aspects.

Still, where does my interest in manufacturing come from? There were two opportunities that I took without hesitation. The first was a product packager job at nVent. This was my first experience seeing manufacturing up close and each day I worked, I would marvel at the logistics within the building. The second opportunity I had was given to me at my high school's career fair, where I met Augustine Kietzer, program director of Pathways to Careers (P2C) scholarship program at Dunwoody. This program provides high school students a 3-week, hands-on experience of all the different programs Dunwoody has to offer.

I saw several technical fields which had one or two aspects of what I was seeking in a career, but it wasn't until I saw the ASRO program that I knew I found what I wanted to pursue. This program has everything I sought, including designing an automated system, solving technical problems\ and working on hands-on projects. 

Since deciding to pursue this path, Dunwoody has provided further resources to help me achieve my goal of finding a career that offers the three elements I seek. The P2C scholarship has not only lowered the financial burden of pursuing higher education, but it also provides monthly meetings where life skills are taught and developed. Another way Dunwoody has assisted me was through the Dean of Robotics and Manufacturing E.J. Daigle, who gave me the opportunity to join the Autonomous Snowplow Team. I’m proud to say that my team was able to achieve first place in the 2024 competition, which leads me to believe I have successfully found my niche. Without having been given these experiences and stepping outside my comfort zone, I don't think I would have grown to love manufacturing as much as I did.

What excites you the most about your post-grad plans?

I want to find a job which I can provide value to, by growing so skilled at what I do that I feel like I'm making an impact. With such a job, I also hope to achieve a work-life balance that will allow me to pursue my non-career based interests, including a solo road trip where I can see the world and capture it through my creative interest in photography.

I'm looking forward to having the money to put towards some personal projects as well. For a few years now, I've been dreaming of setting up a personal office space. This will be a space in which I can show off my personality and focus on smaller projects, such as my home server. 

Who have been a few of your biggest influences and supporters in your career journey?

I wish I had an interesting narrative where a person changed the direction of my life, like in the movie Good Will Hunting, but the boring truth is that I was fortunate enough to have so many people in my life support me. Their dedication prevented me from ever falling into a state of hardship. My family, particularly my dad, allowed me to pursue my interests, which developed into the skills I now use to be successful at Dunwoody. More importantly, he supported me financially so that I could attend Dunwoody in the first place. 

Here at Dunwoody, I've met fantastic people who have helped me along my career journey. Augustine truly cares for everyone who is a part of P2C, and has spent so many hours ensuring we all have the chance to succeed. She has provided me with useful life lessons through the monthly P2C meetings, in addition to the financial assistance of the scholarship. Thank you Augustine Kietzer.

Jonathan Moore has provided a great service as Assistant Director of Student Affairs. His caring personality shows in his work, running events to connect students together. Thank you Mr. Moore for brightening my day every time I see you. 

I also want to thank my instructors: Brad Cleland, Edo Krivdic, Jeremy Berg, Joseph White and my program’s dean, E.J. Daigle. They all have provided me with so much technical knowledge and so many skills that I'll use to prosper in the manufacturing industry. It's been amazing learning from such unique and experienced individuals, and I can't thank them all enough.  

What advice would you give to someone who’s just starting out in manufacturing?

My advice to anyone who may be interested in pursuing a career within manufacturing: take any opportunity given to you without hesitation and take the initiative to find your own. Experience is key when developing the knowledge and skills that are utilized within manufacturing. 

As my story has told, I wouldn't be where I am now if I didn't seize the opportunities that came to me. The CEMS program introduced the basic skills and concepts that I still use today, P2C has shown me what kind of manufacturing career I am suited for, and the Autonomous Snowplow team has given me a place to develop my skills beyond the coursework in ASRO.