He may have entered the University of Hartford as an undecided student unsure of the major meant for him. But Javi Melecio ’19 found his path and fondly recalls the moments that helped him get there.
UHart’s College of Engineering, Technology, and Architecture (CETA) encourages career preparedness by requiring students to complete one internship prior to graduation. Javi Melecio '19, now a mechanical engineering alum, is sure that his campus involvement and internship opportunity played a key role in preparing him to be an applications engineer at Bead Electronics, a division of Bead Industries located in Milford, Connecticut.
Melecio entered the University as an Undecided student interested in the film program as part of the College of Arts and Sciences. After taking mechanical engineering classes, Melecio developed a stronger passion for engineering and switched to CETA’s mechanical engineering program. Since he still loved cinema, Melecio started a hobby of creating YouTube videos on the side to share his passion for historical manufacturing.
One aspect of the mechanical engineering program that drew Melecio in was how it offered him a plentiful career outlook. “UHart has a fantastic engineering program. I find myself recommending it to anyone who asks! From thermodynamics to manufacturing – which I’ve worked in for the past 4 years – UHart’s engineering program offers so much possibility,” he says.
During his program, Melecio interned at Bauer and opted to conduct his senior project with the aerospace company.
Javi Melecio '19, Mechanical Engineering, CETAI was fortunate enough to find my internship through UHart. It all happened because I was able to get in contact with career services. After, that internship became my first full-time job after graduating."
After graduation, Melecio wanted to help CETA students in a similar way. He chose to host senior capstones at both companies he’s worked at, sharing “I was given an opportunity when I did it as a senior so it’s awesome to return the favor.”
Not only did UHart help Melecio prepare for a fruitful career as an engineer, but it also helped prepare him spiritually. During his undergraduate career, Melecio was involved with the Catholic Campus Ministry and the Newman Club. He explained that Father Michael Ruminski, Father Patrick Kane, and Campus Minister Sandi Smith played a pivotal role in helping him to confidently develop socially and spiritually as he transitioned into life after graduation.
When asked about what advice he can offer to students and future alumni who aspire to work in the engineering industry, he stated “Never stop learning and keep connecting with people. Engage with those you haven’t talked to in a bit and network with new contacts,” he added. “It never hurts to meet a new face!”