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58 SMT007 MAGAZINE I MARCH 2022 was my vocation. e career choice soon began to engulf every aspect of my life—how I spent my time, who my friends were, and how I spoke to my peers. I know we both have experience serving as presidents of our IPC student chapters. What was that like for you? Fiet: I spent a year as president of the IPC Stu- dent Chapter at MTU. Unfortunately, the year of my presidency began in parallel with the COVID-19 pandemic. However, I saw the resilience in my peers as we met with spon- sor companies and industry experts to learn more about the electronics industry. e IPC Education Foundation was incredible in working to develop online content for our stu- dents. We were able to watch webinars for career panels and take training classes through their website. Nelson: As the president of Valpo's chapter, it is incredible to see the growth in the program. As the chapter continues to grow, it seems like the creativity of our students also grows, as do the programs that they are presented with. ere is still so much growth for skills that students need before they enter the workforce, but that is what our chapter is try- ing to help. serving one term as the IPC Student Director on IPC's Board of Directors. Fiet: I was first introduced to the electronics industry via my first two internships at Avon Protection Systems in Cadillac, Michigan and Calumet Electronics in Calumet, Michigan. How about you, Hannah? Nelson: My first introduction to the electronics industry was leading Valpo's student IPC chap- ter, although I did not become fully immersed in the industry until the IPC APEX EXPO 2022. What made you want to pursue engi- neering? Fiet: Engineering was an easy choice for me. Both my father and brother are engineers. I always liked problem solving and "getting my hands dirty" so engineering just came naturally. What made you choose engineering? Nelson: Engineering, to me, is a way I can creatively innovate my own thoughts and ideas into physical technology, but it hasn't always been that way. I originally resented engineering and thought of the career as a chore that my mother wanted me to pursue, but as soon as I stepped on the Valparaiso University campus, I knew the career I chose Hannah Nelson, Wendy Gaston and Paige Fiet at the Women in Electronics event at IPC APEX EXPO 2022.