SPC student recalls impactful opportunities in IMET program

LEVELLAND – Upon starting the industrial manufacturing and emerging technologies (IMET) program at South Plains College, Vanessa Romero was looking for the next step in her education. With her third semester now wrapping up, she has gained opportunities she did not know were possible.

After graduating from high school in her hometown of Whiteface in 2021, Romero enrolled at SPC to pursue pre-med because she hoped to attend medical school someday. She said she did not go through with her first semester, as she was in mourning after the death of her mother.

When she returned to the college, Romero pursued nursing. As she considered the path that was right for her, she said she was introduced to SPC’s IMET program ahead of the Fall 2023 semester.

“I liked working with my hands and working outside,” she said. “I liked the physical aspect of work, so I talked to an adviser at SPC, and she directed me to IMET.”

For Romero, who will graduate in Spring 2025, the hands-on aspect further drew her to the IMET program, which she knew very little about. She said she faced imposter syndrome during the start of the program.

IMET being a male-dominated industry is a factor Romero said contributed to her imposter syndrome. As she progressed in the program, she said her worries about her lack of knowledge diminished.

“They’re just like me,” she said regarding her classmates. “They’re fresh to the program and are being introduced to the material.”

For students who have imposter syndrome, Romero said it is important to learn from mistakes, not dwell on them.

“The student next to you is probably feeling the exact same way,” she said. “Don’t get too worked up over possibly doing something wrong.”

After overcoming these early challenges, Romero said she enjoyed the material more.

“You’re going to learn everything from how to use a drill to residential wiring to working on PLCs to hydraulics,” she said. “You get to touch base with different experiences in the field.”

Outside of the classroom, Romero said she participated in Phase 3 of the U.S. Department of Energy’s 2024 Collegiate Wind Competition at the American Clean Power Association’s CLEANPOWER Conference and Exhibition in Minneapolis, Minnesota. During the competition, she said she handled a lot of wiring and control box manufacturing for a prototype windmill her team designed.

“Seeing my work come to life and seeing it control this windmill was an incredible experience,” she said regarding her favorite part of the competition.

Romero, who works with heavy machinery and hydraulics at FedEx, said she wants to work in the IMET field after finishing her education at SPC and has considered the windmill industry. She said companies often visit SPC to recruit future graduates from the IMET program.

“Just being on top of a windmill,” she said. “That’s what I’m working toward.”

Romero said she credits the faculty in the IMET program for preparing her for the industry. Her professors take a lot of time to ensure students understand the content.

“They care a lot about us as students,” she said. “They also care about you as a person.”

For students, whether they are in the IMET program or a different discipline, Romero said it is vital to focus on schoolwork and not rush one’s education.

“I know it seems like it takes so long to finish school,” she said, “but you have to focus on what you’re doing now and how it will affect your future.”

 

Industrial Manufacturing and Emerging Technologies

The industrial manufacturing and emerging technologies (IMET) program at SPC is designed to prepare graduates to perform within multiple specialties of the manufacturing profession including electronics, networking, machining, mechatronics and alternative energy. Students choose from flexible career tracks appropriate for individual educational objectives.

The IMET program utilizes courses from other SPC programs. IMET instructors teach courses at all SPC locations and have extensive training in their specialized areas. In addition, an advisory committee of experts in the field meets regularly to review the program and keep it up to date with industry and employment standards.