Issue link: https://iconnect007.uberflip.com/i/1212069
48 I-CONNECT007 I REAL TIME WITH... IPC APEX EXPO 2020 SHOW & TELL MAGAZINE they didn't have digital electronics, so I had to go back and take a course to be able to teach the curriculum. Matties: Thank you for doing this. Schultz: Thanks. _________________________ An Emerging Engineer Helps STEM Students Another cool connection with the STEM Student Outreach Program is that IPC recruits the participants in the emerging engineers pro- gram to assist in the STEM day activities. I had a chance to speak with Ph.D. student Arvind Karthikeyan, who is part of IPC's Emerging Engineer Program. Barry Matties: Hi, Arvind. What school do you attend? Arvind Karthikeyan: I'm from Auburn Univer- sity. I'm a Ph.D. student in the industrial engi- neering and systems program. Matties: Great. You're part of the Emerging Engineer Program. Karthikeyan: That's right. Matties: This is the third day of the IPC APEX EXPO, but you have been here for the whole conference. What does it mean for you to be a part of IPC's Emerging Engineer Program? Karthikeyan: That's a tough question because this is my first year. I wanted to gain as much experience as possible, and the program went way beyond my expectations. I will cherish this week for the rest of my life. I have enjoyed meeting great people, gaining knowledge while being part of standards committee meetings. Now I know where I should be going next year. Matties: Today, you're helping the high school students through the STEM Student Outreach Program, who are a few years younger than you. What's that experience like for you? Karthikeyan: It's not only about teaching them, but I see myself in some of them. It's all about encouraging people to be future engineers and company owners. It's not only about just giv- ing because I'm learning from them too. Matties: What advice would you give to a young student or engineer? Karthikeyan: Pursue your interests. Don't restrict yourself to a particular sector. Try to explore whatever you can because there is no limitation for exploration. You will never know where your interests lie until you explore that particular area or field. Matties: That's great advice. Thank you. Karthikeyan: Thank you so much. S&T Arvind Karthikeyan