Students from the Excel Academy at Francis M. Wood High School in Baltimore City visited Key Technologies to learn about engineering and technical careers. Key Tech’s Andy Rogers outlined the different types of engineers and the products each design. He also discussed how products like Guitar Hero for the Nintendo Wii start from ideas and end up in the hands of the end-user. Applications in the medical, aerospace, athletics, marine, and automotive industries were explored from an engineer’s perspective.

The students were actively engaged in the presentation, asking pointed questions associated with the example projects. One student wrote about their visit:“When a person comes up with an idea to create something new, you work together with your colleagues, other engineers, to complete the job.”

Career opportunities in technical fields associated with engineering were also presented, such as engineering technician, manufacturing assembly, physical therapy aide, and nursing assistant. At the conclusion of the presentation, the students were encouraged to enroll in lots of math and science classes while in high school and to not be shy about asking questions.