Student Spotlight: Michael Alvarez Gonzalez

Student Spotlight: Michael Alvarez Gonzalez

| By: Haase, Elijah D

Career Program: Automated Manufacturing Systems Technology
Originally From: Menifee, California
Current Residence: Appleton
Year Started at FVTC: Fall 2023

 

 

 

 

Why did you choose this career program?

I enjoy solving puzzles, whether it be from a video game, a broken home appliance, or computer coding problem. I just love the process of problem solving and learning from it, so engineering stuck out to me as a career choice. Since I spend most of my free time dedicated to repairing, coding and setting up electrical devices, the AMS program was something that would complement my interests well.

What are you learning about your career field that you find interesting or rewarding? 

I enjoy wiring components physically or digitally though a PLC (Programmable Logic Controllers) and troubleshooting systems. I just love determining how problems occur and either engineering or troubleshooting to find the solution.

Why did you choose Fox Valley Technical College? 

From the start, I knew I wanted to go into engineering. However, for me to study this career path I had to study outside my home state of California. Education in that state is very expensive and seems to be more focused on the entertainment industry. FVTC provided me with an affordable education and reasonably priced living arrangements in the area. Additionally, FVTC has positive reviews for the quality of its engineering programs.

How has Fox Valley Technical College helped you change your life?

The number of opportunities FVTC provided were plentiful and helped me improve my education and social skills. I applied for clubs that got me into helping people in the community, such as the Go Baby Go! program and school events like open house.

What type of job do you expect to find after graduation? 

The most common areas for employment within my career field are in factories; however, with my prior skill set of coding I could easily transition to a coding career with the added knowledge of different methods of problem solving. I could even end up engineering simple circuits for everyday household items or wiring panels.

In one sentence, what's your best advice for someone who's not sure they're ready for college? 

Try something; you never know what you could accomplish unless you apply yourself to face tomorrow’s challenges.

 


 
Lightning Round!


Best on-campus place to study: Flex lab

One class you surprisingly enjoyed: Ladder logic

One class that challenged you: Motors and drives 1 and 2

Pro tip for newcomers trying to find their way around campus: Talk to student life, they can direct you to where you want or need to go.

Upcoming Events

Nov
6

Faculty Day - No Classes

Faculty Day - No Classes

Nov
7

On Campus: Lakeland University

Thinking of transferring to Lakeland University?

Nov
11

Open Registration Begins for Winterim & Spring Semester

Open Registration Begins for Winterim & Spring Semester

Nov
11

Express Admissions Day - Appleton, Oshkosh and Wautoma

Visit us anytime between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. and we’ll help you get started on your path to earning a degree. We’ve got a team ready to assist you through every part of the process. No need to register, just drop in when it’s convenient for you. 

Nov
12

Explore Starting a Business - Appleton

This complimentary session provides an inside look at what it takes to launch a small business.

Nov
13

Manufacturing Job Fair - Appleton

Connecting students and employers at Fox Valley Tech's Appleton campus.

@FOXVALLEYTECH ON INSTAGRAM


Join Our Email List

Subscribe Today

Your information will remain private. FVTC will never share our email lists. See FVTC's privacy policy.

Student & Alumni Spotlight

Student Spotlight: Sydney Lyons

Student Spotlight: Sydney Lyons

For Syndey one of the most rewarding aspects of Early Childhood Education is the ability to make a difference in the lives of children.

Student Spotlight: Stazy Szymanski

Student Spotlight: Stazy Szymanski

Stazy chose FVTC because she appreciates the opportunity to earn her degree in just two years, all while benefiting from personalized,...
Student Spotlight: Noel Whiting

Student Spotlight: Noel Whiting

Noel chose the Marketing Program because the field is always changing, so there's always something new to learn and explore.

Student Spotlight: Andrea Brunner

Student Spotlight: Andrea Brunner

Andrea Brunner chose FVTC because the campus offers a welcoming environment for students from all backgrounds and provides a wide range of...
Student Spotlight: Rhiannon Gauerke

Student Spotlight: Rhiannon Gauerke

Rhiannon chose the accounting program at FVTC because she views accountants as the nurses of finances in businesses and she has a love for...
Alumni Spotlight: Q&A with Joe Lauer

Alumni Spotlight: Q&A with Joe Lauer

Employees are the key component of any business and Joe Lauer wants to make sure they return home safely to their families every day. Joe explains...
A Different Type of Class

A Different Type of Class

BizSquad brings students from across the college together to find solutions for local businesses. On Wednesday, May 15, current students,...