Page 7 - AEM-Newsletter-Spring-2023

Rehabilitation Services — an agency that aided him during the job search process — reconnected with him. They introduced Och to a project sponsored by Disability Hub Minnesota, led by Kevin Kling and Beaudry Filmworks. The project would both showcase Och’s career journey and help highlight the types of career options available to people with disabilities. Och was eager to participate!
Over a span of nearly six months, Och was interviewed virtually, in
a film studio, and at his home. The project was an immense success, and Och was proud to have shared his story. Since the release of the video, he has been contacted several times by others with disabilities who have been seeking career guidance to achieve their own goals.
“This project that I had the opportunity to be involved in, as well as my winding career path to the present date, has taught me a number of things. The old adage
is true — ‘when one door closes, another door opens,’” Och reflected. Although he was disappointed when his job prospects collapsed at the onset of the pandemic, the event also allowed him to land a fantastic job with his dream company, one
of the top aerospace and defense companies in the entire world.
When asked what he would tell others in a similar situation,
Och stated, “Perseverance and hard work pays off. Even in the face of adversity, with most companies stalling their hiring during the pandemic, I continued to spend each day applying for positions and reaching out to recruiters on LinkedIn, expanding my professional network and
increasing my chances of success.” He also added, “It’s important to adopt a continual growth mindset and never stop learning new things.” During his year and a half of job searching, Och worked on personal projects in the areas of software development and electrical engineering to hone and broaden his skills.
In this spirit, Och has been working with technologies and applying methods in his role at Northrop Grumman that he never studied during college. “It’s been incredibly valuable to learn from experienced professionals and maintain an open perspective of new concepts,” he adds. “These are just a few of many things I've learned over the last
few years since my time roaming Akerman Hall.”
Advice for others
Och wanted to share with others
a few resources that have helped
on his journey thus far. First and foremost, he found that Disability:IN and its NextGen Leaders mentorship program has been immensely helpful (he especially recommends this to students who work with
the University of Minnesota’s on-campus Disability Resource Center).
ALUMNI NEWS
“If you ever have the opportunity
to be involved in any kind of mentorship program, then go for it!” Och exclaims. Second, leverage the power of LinkedIn to meet people who have been in your shoes and can offer advice — use the platform to make a name for yourself, and show the world what you have to offer. Lastly, consider joining one
or more professional engineering organizations, like the AIAA (American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics), which can also help you to broaden your technical network.
Och reminds us, “While many twists and turns may lie in store
for you as you progress through your career journey, know that your next great opportunity may be just around the corner!”
To learn more about Ethan journey and see his Disability Hub Minnesota video, head to the AEM Alumni page at https://cse.umn.edu/aem/ aerospace-engineering-and- mechanics-alumni
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