After she realized university was not for her, Diana Rodgers ‘98 looked for a post-secondary environment she could thrive in. That’s when she turned to Mohawk College. 

“My first year of university made me realize I learn better in a hands-on environment. I switched to Mohawk and pursued my interests in electricity and electronics,” she says. 

As Diana made the transition to a college environment, she learned a lot about herself and her career interests. Her journey in the Electrical Engineering Technology program proved to be a rewarding one. 

Diana says, “While at Mohawk, my aspirations changed as I proceeded through my courses and found more specific areas of interest. What started as a love of miniatures and electricity transformed into career goals in the electronics sector.” 

Mohawk’s Electrical Engineering Technology program teaches students how to help maintain the balance of power with comprehensive technology focused on electrical power control systems. Students explore these various systems through training in theory and lab practice, with the option for a co-op placement completion. 

Diana completed three co-op placements during her studies at Mohawk. While developing her skills for a future career, she also felt these opportunities formed another important aspect of her vocation. 

“The co-ops helped me define the working conditions that I wanted when I graduated. My final co-op actually hired me full time upon graduation,” she says. 

Today, Diana works as a manufacturing engineering technologist in the systems and projects division at L3Harris. She has transformed what was a mere passion into a full-fledged career and she enjoys every minute of it. 

"I love the ‘aha’ moment in my job. When a project comes together or a challenge is resolved and you realize you made something better,” she says. 

As one of Mohawk’s Future Ready Premium Employers, L3Harris has a longstanding relationship of betterment with Mohawk College, helping students and graduates improve the engineering sector. Over 150 Mohawk graduates are currently employed by L3Harris and the company actively supports co-op placements and financial awards. 

As a woman in engineering, Diana is proud to pave a path forward for others to follow in her footsteps. She has some key advice for anyone looking to join this industry. 

“Research what you want. Find what you are interested in and pursue it as it changes and matures. Understand that this is a very dynamic field that is constantly changing,” she says.