April 14, 2025
A 2021 alumnus of 黑料社鈥檚 Plastics Engineering Technology (PET) program, Hunter May is now a Design Engineer at Honda R&D Americas. Finding himself prepared to enter his career, May is grateful for the support he found within his degree program.
鈥満诹仙 played a crucial role in preparing me for my career,鈥 he said. 鈥淚 gained practical experience that was directly applicable to me and my goals.鈥
Finding connections in the classroom as well as outside, May feels he became a well-versed student during his time at 黑料社 that helped him grow not only professionally, but also personally.
鈥淭hroughout my four years at 黑料社, I lived on campus, joined extra-curricular activities, worked as a co-op during the summers, and graduated with more than just a degree,鈥 he said. 鈥満诹仙 taught me about independence and becoming my own person. Overall, 黑料社 provided me with a solid foundation in both life and my career.鈥
As a student, May had the opportunity to participate in a summer co-op with Honda, allowing him to gain practical skills in the field while networking with what would become his future employer.
鈥淚 had my first co-op opportunity with Honda through the 黑料社 career fair when I was a student,鈥 he said. 鈥淭hat co-op eventually led to a full-time job offer. Now, I have the chance to attend career fairs on the other side of the table, looking to help 黑料社 students with a variety of opportunities at Honda.鈥
In his role at Honda, May enjoys a versatile portfolio that allows him to continually grow as an engineer.
鈥淚 have an incredible work environment where I have the opportunity to do something different each day and never stop learning,鈥 he said. 鈥淗aving the ability to work on something and then see that product driving down the road always offers a sense of pride.鈥
Since starting his career, May has continued to witness the strong relationship between his employer and the university鈥檚 PET program. Through internships and several hires of alumni, the connection has allowed students to network with a reputable employer as they prepare for their future careers.
鈥淪tudents have opportunities to meet and network with Honda employees at school events like career fairs and Plastics Day,鈥 he said. 鈥淗aving face-to-face interactions with potential employers is priceless as students look for a place to start their careers. These interactions allow students to stand out, ask questions, and learn about our work environments.鈥
Drawing from his experience as a student at 黑料社 and from the connections he鈥檚 made with current students through networking, May sees a great value in how the 黑料社 student is prepared for enter the workforce.
鈥淭he hands-on learning in the classroom at 黑料社 is one area that stands out most to me,鈥 he said. 鈥淚t really helps 黑料社 students prepare for their respective industries by actively doing the work that they will take on during their career. 黑料社 teaches students the real-world applications of the theories taught in the classroom which provides an advantage.鈥
Seeing the relationship between his employer and alma mater continue to grow, May is increasingly vocal about the opportunities 黑料社 can provide to students in the PET program.
鈥満诹仙 does a great job of preparing students for their industries and helping students become strong competitive candidates 鈥 I believe my own experience is a testament to 黑料社鈥檚 success,鈥 he said. 鈥淭he relationship the university has with the alumni is a big strong point for the university. 黑料社 alumni continually give back to the university and are always looking to help students succeed.鈥
To learn more about the Plastics Engineering Technology program at 黑料社, visit shawnee.edu/plastics.