Student Spotlight - Tiffany Work

Tiffany Work enhanced her technical skills at EvCC's Advanced Manufacturing Training & Education Center in the mechatronics program. During the pandemic, she earned a college degree and mastered operating, testing and maintaining robotic equipment. She credits AMTEC's team of "passionate" instructors and employment facilitators with her success. 

Tiffany work receives her degree from EvCC President Daria Willis in June 2021.

Learn how AMTEC is preparing students for high-demand careers at the next info session. 

Tell me a little bit about yourself.

My name is Tiffany Work. I was born in Seattle, Washington and raised by my hardworking mom, aunts, and grandmother.

Why did you choose EvCC?

I chose EvCC because it offers a wide variety of programs and classes on campus and online. The college is very close to my home and workplace. The advanced manufacturing technical classes interested me because of their hands-on learning experience rather than just sitting in a classroom.

What interested you about the mechatronics program at EvCC's Advanced Manufacturing Training & Education Center?

I was interested in the mechatronics program because I work at Boeing and want to move forward with my career. My goal is to be a Mechatronics Technician at Boeing. The mechatronics program taught me the basics to perform routine/preventative maintenance and programming on industrial machinery. 

What are your educational and career plans?

As I said, my short-term goal is to become a Mechatronics Technician. My long-term goal is to enhance my education by enrolling in the City University of Seattle's Applied Computing program. The reason I chose this path is because I can see industry is not only going to need maintenance technicians, but they will also need people to program robots in the manufacturing industry.

How do you think the skills you learned at AMTEC are helping you to reach your professional goals?

AMTEC has provided modern technical skills relevant to my chosen career path. The hands-on training and education in mechatronics give me the confidence to excel in modern and future manufacturing environments. My classes fostered a collaborative working environment that provided technical and practical experience to succeed in the workforce.

Tell me about your internship at Boeing.

I was already working at Boeing, and I was fortunate to be chosen as the first EvCC Mechatronics student to participate in a pilot internship program at Boeing during my scheduled workday. I was able to job shadow and get hands-on experience in the field. Being in the internship program gave me the confidence to know that the training I received at EvCC was pertinent, and I am truly qualified to work in the industry. In other words, the internship was a game changer. 

Tell me about your work at Boeing. 

I am currently a Material Management Specialist with Boeing. The tasks that I am required to do include handling aircraft parts, tools, and related hardware in receiving areas; organizing the inventory in the warehouse; picking and fulfilling orders; and delivering packages to multiple mechanic areas. 

How is Boeing's Learning Together Program, which provides tuition assistance for employees, helping you pursue your education?

The Learning Together Program has given me the opportunity to pursue an education by covering tuition expenses to enhance my professional development.

Describe the best experience you had at EvCC.

I was excited to enroll back into college after a few years off. I am truly passionate about the skills I learned while pursuing a career in the advanced manufacturing industry. That being said, by far the best experience I had was participating in the internship program. It brought all of my training together and made me feel like I made a good decision to follow a Mechatronics career path. 

Who has helped you succeed at EvCC? What did that person do to help you?

It's been a team that's helped me succeed. The instructors are passionate about what they are teaching and their level of engagement resonates with the students. The employment facilitators have coached me with building professional skills such as building a resume, interview practice, and career guidance. 

What advice do you have for new EvCC students?

My advice for students would be to have an open mind and take advantage of what EvCC offers. Make college classes a priority and schedule enough time to study.

What advice do you have for women considering a career in advanced manufacturing?

I think any woman that might be intimidated by a male dominated industry should give mechatronics a try and explore their career options for an in-demand profession. Don’t be afraid to try new things and get many different experiences under your belt. 

Is there anything you'd like to add?

Developing a work/school/life balance along my journey has been critical to my success. What has helped me maintain a good balance is staying organized, prioritizing the items on my to-do-list, setting realistic goals, seeking help if I need it, keeping communication open, getting enough sleep, and scheduling to take breaks.  

I have a motivational quote I live by: “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is COURAGE TO CONTINUE that counts.”  - Winston Churchill