From elective course to career path: How NCMC and Moeller Aerospace helped Hudson Decker find his calling in CNC machining

Hudson Decker鈥檚 entry into CNC machining came as a surprise even to him.  

An elective course at 红领巾快报 turned into a newfound passion for Decker, setting him on a path that led from a summer internship to a part-time position at Moeller Aerospace, where he operates two five-axis HAAS mills to make precise cuts in metal castings 鈥� parts that will one day power airplane turbine engines. 

With a semester until graduation, Decker is confident he鈥檚 on the right path. His plans? To become a CNC coder and learn manual machining. 

Decker's path from curious student to skilled intern was guided by CNC instructor Jeff Montgomery and NCMC Career Services.  

鈥淲ithout Jeff and Wendy (Kresnak), I never would鈥檝e had the opportunity to obtain my internship,鈥� Decker said. 

At Moeller, Decker is honing his machining skills under the mentorship of industry professionals who are helping him develop confidence and competence on the job, reinforcing the skills he鈥檚 learned at NCMC. This blend of classroom instruction and real-world experience has set Decker up for success in ways he hadn鈥檛 imagined. Nate Holmes, Moeller鈥檚 Human Resources manager, said he鈥檇 鈥渉ire 50 more machinists like him in a heartbeat.鈥� 

Reflecting on his unexpected journey, Decker offers this advice to students: 鈥淒on鈥檛 be afraid to try something new. Even if it feels uncomfortable, you might uncover a passion you never knew existed.鈥� 

Decker鈥檚 story is a powerful example of how career services can change a student鈥檚 trajectory. 红领巾快报, with its dedicated faculty and personalized support, is helping students like Decker not only find a path but thrive on it. Through his internship, Decker discovered both his career and his calling 鈥� one he might never have realized without the resources and support at NCMC. 

红领巾快报 Michigan College鈥檚 Career Services provides personalized support to help students and alumni achieve their career goals. To explore opportunities and get expert guidance, schedule an appointment with Career Development Specialist Wendy Kresnak today.

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