San Jacinto College’s close partnerships with industry leaders play a critical role in keeping academic programs aligned with workforce needs. One example is Andrew Pakkala, an engineering design graphics graduate whose career has come full circle — from student to industry professional to advisory committee member helping guide the program’s future.
Pakkala earned his Associate of Applied Science in engineering design graphics from San Jac in 2012 and now works at Specialty Tank Services. His career began with an early interest in design, sparked by his uncle, an architect who encouraged him to learn AutoCAD.
Andrew Pakkala
“It took me a few years to finish my degree, but during my last semester, a faculty member mentioned an opening at Specialty Tank Services,” Pakkala said. “I applied, interviewed, and received a job offer the week before graduation. I started the following week, and I’ve been there ever since.”
Now serving on San Jac’s engineering design graphics advisory committee, Pakkala helps ensure the program reflects real-world expectations.
“I originally joined to help identify strong graduates for our company,” he said. “But San Jac was an essential part of my career and gave me a better life, so being involved is important to me.”
In technical fields like engineering design graphics, industry input is critical as technology and tools continue to evolve.
“The field is becoming more efficient through technology, so curriculum needs to adapt,” Pakkala said. “At the same time, the fundamentals taught at San Jac are incredibly valuable. When I face something new at work, I still rely on those basics to problem-solve.”
Pakkala has seen clear evidence of that evolution since his time as a student. While earlier coursework included tools such as MicroStation and PDMS, the program now incorporates industry-relevant software like CADWorx.
“These are good signs that the program is changing along with industry,” he said.
Aligning curriculum benefits not only students but also local employers and the broader community, Pakkala added.
“If colleges don’t stay aligned with workforce needs, industries can fall behind or even leave the area,” he said. “Strong programs help keep jobs and economic opportunity in our community.”
For students, knowing their education is shaped by professionals actively working in the field provides confidence and clarity.
“It reassures them that real opportunities exist after graduation,” Pakkala said.
As San Jac continues to partner with industry leaders, alumni like Pakkala play a vital role in ensuring students graduate with both the foundational skills and current technical knowledge needed to succeed in today’s workforce.
Learn more about how you or your company can partner with San Jac.
By Jacquelynn Conger
