Randy Dunton’s Post

For those wanting to inspire young people and support career choices here is a great resource for you....

2024 Outstanding Co-op Employer Awards The Outstanding Co-op Employer Awards are a chance for the Northeastern University College of Engineering Co-op to recognize employers that have gone above and beyond to collaborate with our Co-op program and provided students with opportunities to be engaged, inspired, and transformed in 2024! For these reasons, we would like to recognize Senior Metal Bellows for their dedication to Northeastern University’s Co-op program. Since 2004, Senior Metal Bellows has been a consistent co-op employer hiring 136 students over 32 co-op terms. In recent years, the company has significantly expanded its hiring to include roles in supply chain, planning, and marketing, often hiring up to 6-7 students per co-op cycle. A review of student assessments reveals that the vast majority rate their experience as “outstanding,” highlighting the company’s strong culture of inclusivity, respect, and support. Additionally, co-ops are integrated into all aspects of the company culture, participating in meetings, social events, and even golf leagues. Lastly, students feel valued as engineers rather than just as co-ops, which significantly boosts their confidence and equips them with the skills and mindset necessary for future success. – Sarah Mockler Thank you, Senior Metal Bellows, for your partnership! #cooperativeeducation #engineering #coop

Hello all. My name is Barry Mole and many of you will know me, but not necessarily the role that I play in Micro Technology Consultants.   I met Tom Carmichael and Jim Magill back in October 2017 and they put me through the ringer (well Jim did) on how I could support them going forward. After an initial 4 day review of the business we started in earnest in Jan 2018 with a commitment of 3-4 days a month in a HR / BD Support / Mentoring / Recruitment type basis.   In all honesty, I was (and still am) blown away by the technical competence and engineering problem solving capability of the team, a genuine hidden gem in our engineering sector in Scotland.   Over the years, we have had our challenges, as all businesses do, but we have had a strong collective desire to always work them through in a pragmatic, empathetic and objective way.   When I look round the office today, the majority of faces have changed over the last 5 years but the ethos, values and the can-do culture really hasn’t and that is testament to both Jim and Tom. They have built a business strongly based on trust, quality, professionalism and integrity and that is as true today as it was when they first started the business and I am proud of the small part I have had to play in maintaining those values through the recruitment and development of the current team.   We are a small business but we have invested in apprenticeships, trainees, work placements, school support and nurturing young engineering talent to the benefit of our business and our clients. As always, we should, can, and will do more, to offer an exceptional place of work for those with a real interest in engineering.   Our client base is massively loyal to the business and that works both ways. We have carefully increased our client base with those organisations that seek technical solutions in engineering, offering the team at MTC challenges in areas of “proof of concept” projects, complex design work, software development and quality in manufacture.   We are still on a journey and still have plenty do with a strong desire to build greater capability and reach into those industrial areas where we can add most value. #TeamMTC #EmployeeSpotlight #CareerGrowth

HISD students had the chance to explore real world problems within a variety of technical disciplines at the Technology Division's second annual Catapult Career Summit! Learn how our professors are #engineeredforwhatsnext in the article below. https://lnkd.in/gUDws88Z

I wanted to share something that truly shaped my journey: stepping up as the Student Placement Coordinator (SPC) for my department—and eventually for my college......well lets just say it wasn't an easy decision at all!🥲 I was living far from campus, and being an SPC meant I’d need to be present for all the placement activities. With 3-4 companies visiting daily, the pressure was intense, and managing a commute of over an hour each way wasn't feasible. So, I made one of the boldest decisions of my college life: I moved closer to campus, rented a flat, and embraced the role fully. Those months were challenging—adjusting to a new living arrangement, learning the ropes of managing data, coordinating with recruiters, and ensuring that every placement process went smoothly. In the beginning, without living nearby, I struggled with communication and timing, knowing that even a small misstep could impact the futures of 200-400 students. But every challenge was a learning curve, one that helped me grow not just as a coordinator but as a person. What I learned from this experience is invaluable. It's not just about grabbing an opportunity; it’s about pushing yourself beyond personal barriers, taking ownership, and standing by your decisions. Yes, taking advice is crucial—but only to gain clarity, not to lose sight of what you believe is right. So here’s my takeaway: if you ever get a chance that feels daunting, go for it. Push your boundaries, make those tough calls, and trust yourself. Every experience, every struggle, has something meaningful to teach us. #CareerJourney #GrowthMindset #BoldDecisions #LeadershipJourney #BeyondComfortZone

A great opportunity to discuss the #Apprenticeship & #EarlyCareer schemes in your business & give them a bit of a MOT !! #Skillsdevelopment #Futuresuccess #Students

🎓 Excited to share that I've successfully completed my placement training! 💼 During this journey, I've honed my skills in effective communication, technical and soft skills, preparing me for the dynamic IT field. Grateful to PES College of Engineering, Mandya and my mentors for their invaluable support. I'm eager to apply these skills and embark on my career journey. 🚀 Let's connect and discuss how we can collaborate or share insights into career readiness! #PlacementTraining #CareerDevelopment #ProfessionalGrowth

This water bottle has defined my career. It's a relic from 2007, dug out from the sands of time while my parents are downsizing. Flashback to early 2007: I was on the Orientation planning committee at Brandeis University in charge of undergraduate orientation. Myself and Ron Kendler Allie Hershey, APRN, AOCNP Nikki Salzman Ashley Santiago and Alex Braver hired and organized hundreds of Orientation Leaders, designed a week+ of Orientation programming, lived together for a summer (and negotiating what it was like living with your colleagues) and welcomed the Fall of 2007 Brandeis students to their undergrad experience. I didn't realize I was born an Orientation Leader until I was in charge of them. I learned all about hiring a team, communicating with stakeholders, working with vendors, organizing complex schedules, and making a first-touch experience inclusive for everyone (physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually, and more). Pretty powerful water bottle, huh? Most notably, one of my infamous sayings came from that experience. If you've heard me exclaim, "WE HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY" then chalk that up to Stephanie Grimes schooling our Orientation Core Committee on how to mentally prepare for the unexpected. Most people have keepsakes from pivotal moments in their career: this is a big one for me. Seeing it come out from a box took me back to when I had dumb stupid courage to do a big thing without knowing how to get there, but knew my team would help me along the way. It's also probably that Forever Empty inside of me, that something-something of what I'm professionally questing to achieve with Learn to Scale: a team that works together to help others get oriented to their next chapter. What's one of your professional keepsakes? #career #orientation #team #purpose