Student org hosts alumni industry panel to help students navigate uncertain times

Motivated to stay connected in the midst of the COVID-19 crisis, the Ohio University student chapter of the Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME) held a virtual industry panel with alumni on Wednesday to discuss how manufacturers are coping – and how Russ College alumni are adjusting.

SME President and Engineering Ambassador Allie Gabbard, an engineering technology and management (ETM) senior, worked with SME club adviser and Associate Professor of Engineering Technology and Management Neil Littell to coordinate the event.

“As students, especially those graduating, it is very important to see how companies are treating their employees, working with their employees, as well as helping out through donation of services to combat the ongoing crisis,” Gabbard said. “This is also a great time for our alumni to connect with students and offer advice during these trying times."

The panel featured alumni working in a variety of industries:

• Kyle Balzer, Sr. Quality Manager, Manufacturing Quality, Whirlpool Corporation, BSIT ‘09
• Todd Macy, Director of Integrated Systems, EG-Gilero, BSIT ‘99
• Jesse Megenhardt, Plant Manager, Springs at Mubea, BSIT ‘07
• Brian Bauerbach, President and CEO, Mold-Rite Plastics, BSIT ‘87
• Jana Lazarus, Innovation Market Manager, Swagelok, BSIT’05
• Ryan Mahr, Production Manager, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, BSISE ‘93
• Anthony Schiml, F-35 Production Program Manager, Lockheed Martin Aeronautics, BSIT ‘02
• Brad Crouch, Staff Engineer, Supply Chain Stability, Honda of America Mfg. BSETM ‘11

Panelists discussed how their companies have implemented new policies and practices, such as reducing staffing and increasing safety measures, in response to COVID-19. They said their education and has helped prepare them for the reality of the professional world.

“I wanted to show my support to the upcoming contributors to society,” Crouch said. “I wish I would have had more support when I was going to college from ETM graduates who are in industry, and what the real-life expectations are. I want to make sure that every ETM student knows that when they are put in a manufacturing setting, they will be able to outpace anyone as long as they put their mind to it.”

Alumni left attendees with encouraging words that their determination, in conjunction with their training from the Russ College, would give them stability in the uncertain future.

Balzer said he faced similar challenges when graduating in 2009 when the economy was depressed due to the Great Recession

“Companies greatly restricted hiring, and a lead I had on full-time employment vanished. Very quickly I realized it was important to differentiate myself to ensure I was more marketable. Networking became extremely critical,” he said. “With persistence, I was able to find employment just after graduation with the support of a fellow Bobcat.”