The Human Side : Engineering

In this episode, I sit down with Nick Smock, a defense tech strategist and President of VIDS Corp, to talk about what engineering actually looks like outside of school.We get into his path into the industry, what skills he sees as most important, and the difference between what you learn in class and what actually matters in the real world.We also talk a lot about where things are going—especially with drones, AI, and autonomous vehicles and how these technologies are already being used across different industries, including some of the work happening in Michigan.We also get into what students should be doing now if they want to get into these fields, from getting involved on campus to figuring out what direction they actually want to go.If you are trying to figure out your path in engineering or just want a better idea of what’s out there, this is a good one for you.

In this episode I sit down with Glenn, a mechanical engineer who has spent over 30 years in the industry. We talk about what he’s learned throughout his career, the mistakes young engineers often make, and the advice he would give to students just starting out.From navigating early career uncertainty to long-term growth and professional development, this conversation offers practical insight for anyone pursuing engineering or building their career.If you're a student or young professional looking for perspective beyond the classroom, this episode is for you.