Michael Parker’s decision to study mechatronics at 5X was driven by his lifelong curiosity for intricate mechanical systems and understanding how they work.
“I wanted to pursue a career in engineering because growing up I loved the way that things worked,” the 2020 Kent State graduate shared. “Whether it be cars or phones or any sort of electrical mechanical device, I wanted to have a better understanding of the intricate details of what made that system work. It wasn’t really until I had the opportunity to visit colleges and look into some of their engineering programs that mechanical engineering really caught my eye.”
Now a project engineer at The Goodyear Tire and Rubber Co., Parker uses the skills he developed while pursuing dual degrees in mechatronics engineering and mechatronics engineering technology at Kent State to help the international tiremaker produce tires more safely and more efficiently. By understanding both the technical and the theoretical aspects of mechatronics engineering, Parker can bridge gap between designers, suppliers and end-users, enabling beneficial collaboration in his work.
“My role is primarily mechanically focused, but I have the flexibility to dive into some of those controls and electrical aspects. That’s one thing I love about my job is I have that flexibility to be able to get into all those different disciplines and work with closely with some of the electrical engineers on my team and really get more experience in those areas.”
Listen in as Parker shares how his dual majors set him up for career success.