At a glance
“I chose Alfred State because the program is primarily focused on getting hands-on, tools-on experience. I want to be able to not only work on cars and heavy equipment outside my home but also do work on my own vehicles.”
Michael Berthin
Michael Berthin (Avon, NY) wanted to pursue a career that he knew would always have job opportunities. He enjoys learning hands-on and wanted to develop skills that he could use not only for a profession but also in his everyday life.
Michael's Pioneer PROfile video
The heavy equipment truck and diesel technician major was the right fit for Michael
Michael had tinkered with tractors and other machinery but had never taken automotive classes prior to Alfred State. “My professors had patience with me when I started. I asked lots of questions, and they were extremely helpful. They would explain things to me not only in the class setting but also on the shop floor. They helped me connect names to components, components to concepts, and functions to see how things worked. It was helpful and better than just reading a book.”
Michael is excited about the opportunities that his education has opened. “There are opportunities all over the place and you are never going to be without work in this field. Diesel is not going anywhere. They need people to work on tractor trailers, farming equipment, construction equipment, so you are always going to have a job quite literally anywhere you go.”
His education experiences at Alfred State have Michael wanting to continue his path. Armed with an internship to put his diesel technician skills to work he plans to return to ASC to work on a degree in technology management to build business skills to add to his technical skills.
Michael has enjoyed the campus experience. “It is a lot of fun. There is no shortage of things to do here and people to meet.”
He has been involved in Intervarsity which has events going on throughout the week. He has worked as a campus ambassador and has enjoyed taking part in events on campus like Nerf war nights, video game tournaments, and billiards.
Alfred State has helped Michael look under the hood, and he is excited to accelerate into his career.