Engineering, Manufacturing & AI: Career Advice from an Industry Veteran | OSU MAE3123

Guest speaker Jim joins Oklahoma State University’s *MAE 3123 – Manufacturing Processes* class for a wide-ranging conversation about engineering careers, manufacturing, continuous learning, and the changing role of AI. Drawing on more than 30 years of manufacturing experience, Jim shares a simple framework for career success: *show up, work hard, be positive, communicate well, and keep learning.* He explains how mechanical engineers can build unusually valuable careers by combining a strong engineering foundation with complementary skills gained through focused study and hands-on experience. The discussion also explores how engineers should think about **artificial intelligence and automation**. Rather than beginning with AI as the solution, Jim argues that engineers should first define the problem, understand the operating context, and establish appropriate guardrails. As AI changes engineering and manufacturing jobs, his advice to students is straightforward: learn to use the new tools and stay on the leading edge of the change. Other topics include: • Why understanding materials and manufacturing fundamentals matters • The value of textbooks and developing a shared technical vocabulary • Combining engineering education with machining, maintenance, welding, programming, and other practical skills • Avoiding being pigeonholed into one technical role • Why consumer products, food, packaging, and other less-publicized industries can offer excellent engineering careers • How automation can improve U.S. manufacturing competitiveness • Keeping your résumé current and periodically testing your value in the job market • Building creativity through reading, writing, and maintaining relationships with people who challenge and energize you The session gives engineering students a practical perspective on how careers develop—not as a single predetermined path, but through continual learning, new experiences, and increasingly difficult problems. *Oklahoma State University* MAE 3123 – Manufacturing Processes for Engineering Materials