Cory Klinedinst, Class of 2017
Associate of Science in Mechanical Engineering Technology
Product Development Engineer at R.H. Sheppard Co. Inc., a Bendix CVS Company, Hanover, Pennsylvania
“The courses at Penn State York really helped me gain a complete understanding of everything that makes up our product, from the strength of the materials and static loads to the electronic control systems. The industrial engineering technology (IET) classes reinforced manufacturing flow and business concepts. All of these courses enabled me to advance my career much faster than I would have been able to, had I not attended Penn State York.”
Sometimes, career paths evolve over time, and for Cory Klinedinst, shifting his professional focus prompted him to return to school.
“I had been working in the field before beginning classes. Just before starting at Penn State York, I had moved from production to engineering,” said Klinedinst.
Pursuing an associate of science degree in mechanical engineering technology helped Klinedinst gain a deeper understanding of the products and materials he worked with every day. He also found ways of getting the most hands-on experience in the most efficient way possible.
“Because I am an adult learner with a full-time job and family, I always tried to tailor school projects with company objectives when given free range to do so,” he said. “This helped me to complete multiple tasks for school and work in the same time frame.”
When it came to the culture and feel of the campus, a smaller environment proved beneficial for Klinedinst.
“I enjoyed the hometown feel of Penn State York. It enables you to get the Penn State education without the big main campus feel, which might not be for everyone,” he said.
Klinedinst also noted that the hometown feel of the Penn State York campus also contributes to opportunities to connect with instructors more directly.
“I really enjoyed the experiences the professors are able to share from their time in the field. It helps bring purpose to the material. Without their experiences, the material can sometimes just feel like numbers and words on a piece of paper. I suggest getting to know each of the professors in this program for just a few minutes before and after class,” Klinedinst said. “The faculty in this program have invaluable knowledge from working in the field, but they may not always have enough time during class to share all of those experiences, so make time to speak with them individually, if you can.”
Students should also remember that their education doesn’t need to end after they complete their associate degree. Klinedinst is continuing his studies while balancing his work and home life, enhancing his skillset and his résumé.
“I am still a student at Penn State York, with a goal of completing a bachelor’s degree in electro-mechanical engineering technology in the spring semester of 2024,” he said.
