Laura Lynn de Loache; Mikayla Flores

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Career opportunities were a key message that representatives from semiconductor manufacturing company Texas Instruments had for students in the Aircraft Airframe, Aircraft Powerplant, Automotive and Mechatronics technology programs at Texas State Technical College during a visit to TSTC’s Harlingen campus Wednesday, July 20.

The visitors from Texas Instruments also discussed topics such as company benefits, company growth, entry-level jobs, global manufacturing, the manufacturing process, on-the-job development, and roles and responsibilities.

Jimmy Carter, chemical mechanical polishing equipment manager for Texas Instruments, hoped the visit would result in some job applicants.

“This visit gave us an opportunity to analyze the potential of future hires,” Carter said. “We review the students’ backgrounds. We examine each program’s training. This provides a clear understanding if those components are what Texas Instruments is seeking in future entry-level technicians. Interested candidates for employment will experience a first-round interview process this afternoon. Those candidates that are chosen will travel to Dallas for a second-round interview process.”

Mikayla Flores, a former Dallas resident who now resides in Harlingen, is pursuing an Associate of Applied Science degree in Aircraft Airframe Technology at TSTC.

Flores said her program’s emphasis on paying attention to detail fits well with Texas Instruments’ employee profile.

“They are seeking entry-level technicians with the same detail-based work ethic that we demonstrate in the aviation maintenance program,” she said. “A strong attention to detail is needed when working on the electrical side.”

Flores added that she inquired about the potential for career growth within the company.

“I would like to know what are the career paths that extend beyond a technician,” she said.

Gilberto Levya, of La Feria, is pursuing an Associate of Applied Science degree in Mechatronics Technology at TSTC.

Levya said he appreciated how proactive Texas Instruments was with their presentation.

“During their presentation, they mentioned their competitiveness to take action based on what the company offers to hire the right candidate,” Leyva said. “In my first-round interview, I did a test for knowledge. I had to figure out a parallel circuit drawing and identify the current and total resistance going through the system.”

Some of the TSTC students have advanced to second-round interviews.

Registration for the fall semester at TSTC is underway. For more information, visit tstc.edu.

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