From Student to Emerging Engineer: Aubrey’s Journey Through Growth, Mentorship, and Opportunity

Aubrey Smith, the current Electronics Foundation Student Board Member Liaison, is a junior at the University of Georgia studying electrical and electronics engineering. As someone actively engaged in connecting students with industry opportunities, Aubrey brings a unique perspective to her experience in the Emerging Engineer Program. For many students, the path from classroom learning to a professional engineering career can feel uncertain—but programs like this are helping bridge that gap. In this interview, Aubrey shares her experience attending APEX EXPO for the first time and how it expanded her understanding of the electronics industry. From building connections and gaining mentorship to exploring future career possibilities, she reflects on how this experience is shaping her professional journey and opening doors she hadn’t yet considered.

Charlene: Share a little background on yourself (A little bio would be perfect) and maybe something about the next steps, future plans, and aspirations.

Aubrey: I’m a junior at UGA studying electrical and electronics engineering. My current plans include trying to start a chapter for the Global Electronics Association at UGA and eventually graduating and settling into my first job.

Charlene: Briefly explain why you were interested in the Emerging Engineer Program?

Aubrey: I was interested because it was an opportunity to get involved in the engineering community and see how standards are made.

Charlene: What are the most valuable aspects of the Emerging Engineer Program?

Aubrey: It allows one to meet a wide variety of people from the electronics industry. It provides one with a mentor to help ease their transition into the Global Electronics Association.

Charlene: How important is mentorship in developing talent? What did you enjoy from the mentorship experience? What was difficult during the process?

Aubrey: This was my first year attending the EXPO, so I was a bit nervous that I would miss something. My mind was busy adapting to the new people, location, and information. At first, the content of committee meetings and the various details of the scheduling and whatnot were difficult to keep up with. Having a mentor helped me better understand what was happening around me and meet more people.

Charlene: Do you feel that the experience at APEX EXPO provided you with knowledge that can be valuable for your career progressions?

Aubrey: I do think that it provided knowledge that will be valuable to my career progression because it allowed me to see more of the electronics industry. Knowing more of what exists allows one to better picture their future career path.

Charlene: Did you meet any prospective employers… your dream employer characteristics… what are you looking for in an employer, what role or position would you pursue, etc.

Aubrey: Although there were many great companies at the APEX EXPO, it would be difficult to say that one of them was my dream employer because I don’t know my own preferred work yet. So far, I have mainly focused on learning about PCB design, but I don’t want to limit myself because I feel that it is too early for me to do that as I’m only 21 years old.

Charlene: What’s your next step(s) in terms of professional growth and/or career aspirations?

Aubrey: My next steps for professional development will be to settle into my first job after graduating university, find what I enjoy, and go from there. It is difficult to predict far into the future because things are constantly changing.

Charlene: Why would you recommend students consider career paths in electronics manufacturing?

Aubrey: I would recommend that students consider a career in electronics manufacturing because of the wide variety of different jobs in that field.

Charlene: What has been the highlight of the APEX EXPO?

Aubrey: The highlight of the EXPO for me was when the show floor opened. I enjoyed talking to different vendors, listening to the talks at the learning lounge and technology pavilion, and observing the content of the posters.

Charlene: Please share three new things you’ve learned during your time at APEX EXPO?

Aubrey: I learned about a wider variety of electronic manufacturing jobs that exist. I learned more about how standards are developed at the Global Electronics Association. I learned how useful conferences are for keeping up with the latest information in the field.

Charlene: Please share a few sentences on what this experience meant to you personally.

Aubrey: This experience gave me more exposure to the professional community. As a university student, meeting people from various parts of electronics manufacturing helped me better get an idea of where I could end up in the future.