College Grad Finds Exciting Career Path in the Automation Industry

One Former Student’s Story on Breaking Into The Industry.

When Eric Neal graduated from Georgia State University with a degree in Sports and Business Administration in 2019, he saw himself building a career in sports management. But when the COVID-19 pandemic canceled most sporting events in 2020, Eric began considering other career options. He spent two years working in sales for a large tech company, but making up to 50 calls a day left him wanting a career that felt more meaningful. “I wanted to work for a great company,” said Eric. “And I wanted a place where I could grow.” 

A close friend recommended a locally owned and operated mechanical construction company in Atlanta, Georgia. “I knew a little about HVAC, but I didn’t know anything about automation and controls,” Eric confessed. As a kid who had once thought about becoming an architect, Eric was intrigued to learn how automation companies design and construct a building’s smart infrastructure, integrating both information technology (IT) and operations technology (OT). 

Eric started working at the company in 2022 as an account coordinator intern and immediately learned how to estimate projects of all scopes and sizes. “My mentor was great, but there was a lot to learn. I watched a lot of YouTube videos,” Eric admitted. When his operations manager recommended the pre-apprenticeship program with Emerging Technology Apprenticeships (ETA), he was thrilled, “I saw the brochure and immediately thought, here’s a way I can learn more and go faster.”

After completing the program, Eric feels even more equipped to excel in his role as an account coordinator. While many pre-apprentices continue to a sponsored apprenticeship as an Automation Specialist, Eric uses the knowledge he’s gained to better inform his sales position, “Understanding installation from the inside out makes me better at my job. Part of my work is to purchase parts and to talk with customers so the technicians and project managers can go out there and get the job done.”

Eric’s pre-apprenticeship also came with several other benefits. In addition to being a tuition-free program that he could complete in as little as three hours a week, the pre-apprenticeship perfectly positions Eric for career advancement with a company he loves. In the next few years, Eric sees himself working as a manager at his company. And with the automation industry poised for massive retirements in the next five to ten years, Eric’s self-motivation and ambition will help make his dreams happen sooner rather than later. 

Eric believes ETA's pre-apprenticeship program is perfect for anyone curious about a career in the smart industry. “I wish I had done it sooner,” said Eric. His managers are also taking note of how much he’s learned. At one point, his mentor was amazed at how quickly Eric was picking things up and how after only six months, he was asking fewer questions. Before he congratulated himself, however, his mentor suddenly remembered that Eric was enrolled in the pre-apprenticeship, “That program must be a better teacher than me!” Eric remembers him saying with a laugh. 

He may be a fresh face in the industry, but Eric feels his future is bright. Plus, Eric loves the experience of seeing what the techs can build from start to finish. All signs indicate that Eric has found the meaning he was looking for, “Being part of a team that can create all that sure makes for an inspired work day.” 

Want to learn more?

If you are interested in pre-apprenticeship, we invite you to apply to the Emerging Technology Apprenticeship Program.

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