Skip to content

Student Spotlight: James Martin

Career Program: Manufacturing Engineering Technology
Originally From: Brownwood, TX
Current Residence: Neenah
Attended FVTC: Spring 2019 – Current

Why did you choose the Manufacturing Engineering Technology career program?

I’ve always been interested in engineering, but I could never choose between electrical and mechanical, so I went a completely different path my first time in college and chose Statistical Quality Control and Nondestructive Testing. After years of working in this field at my current employer, I’ve moved up to a position where I can apply mechanical engineering skills, as well as Lean, CAD, PLC, and many others. The variety of skills that are taught in the Manufacturing Engineering Technology program makes it a good fit for me.

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

It has been very rewarding and confidence-boosting to learn all that I have and be able to talk the jargon, understand the concepts, and have productive conversations with engineers after attending this program.

Why did you choose Fox Valley Technical College? 

The flexibility FVTC offers, along with its proximity to where I live/work, and the affordable tuition are the deciding factors that drew me here. I had looked at various online schools, but none were accredited in a price range I could afford.

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

Returning to college after many years was a very scary and intimidating proposition. However, I’m glad I took the step and enrolled. The knowledge I’ve gained from this program, and the confidence boost in myself for knowing I can still push myself and succeed has helped me in my personal and professional life.

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

After graduation will retain the same full-time job I currently have, but I hope to be able to move up to a more technical leadership position where I can help streamline processes and increase consistency.

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

Going to college can be a very intimidating thing, but everyone at FVTC wants you to succeed and will help if you ask for it. After you take the leap and jump in, you will wonder why you were ever scared in the first place!

Lightning Round!

One class you surprisingly enjoyed: Lean process design

One class that challenged you: Statics and strengths of materials

Pro-tip for newcomers trying to find their way around campus: Walk the halls between classes and don’t be afraid to explore

Related Articles

A man wearing glasses and a navy FVTC Fox Valley Tech shirt stands in a workshop with machinery and another person working in the background. Read more
Tuesday | August 25, 2026

Faculty Spotlight: Q&A with Chris Boede

Precision Machining instructor Chris Boede knows firsthand the value of a technical education. As an FVTC apprenticeship graduate who spent two decades working in the manufacturing industry, he returned to the college to share his expertise with future machinists. Today, he teaches a wide range of courses and enjoys helping students discover what they’re capable

Networking student Joshua in a campus networking lab. Read more
Wednesday | August 12, 2026

Student Spotlight: Joshua Moua

Career Program: Network SpecialistOriginally From: Appleton, WICurrent Residence: Appleton, WIYear Started at FVTC: 2025 Why did you choose this career program? Ever since I was young, I had an interest in understanding how things connect and function at deeper levels. This was why I got my undergrad in biology. When it comes to IT, I chose

Read more
Monday | August 3, 2026

Kyle Radmer Finds His Footing and Future at FVTC

Before Kyle Radmer started as a full-time student at Fox Valley Technical College, he was already working to calm the nerves that come with starting something new. The summer before his first semester at FVTC, he enrolled in two courses; not to get ahead, but to adjust to college life. It was not the first