MAKER

“I decided to follow a career in additive manufacturing because I feel this technology will change the world.”

Oscar Montanez

MEET OSCAR

  • Hometown

    Bristol, CT

  • Position

    Additive Manufacturing Technician

  • Employer

    Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology, East Hartford, CT

Q&A

What led you to pursue a career in manufacturing?

I wanted to learn something completely different than what I had been doing (working in retail).

What do you value most about your work in manufacturing?

The opportunity to intersect with different industries and people! I’ve had the pleasure of working with inventors all the way to large international manufacturing and research institutions. Every day is a different day, and that’s exciting.

What have you learned about yourself?

I’ve learned that I am capable of so much more! Manufacturing changed my perception of myself and has made me a more dynamic person. It’s empowering.

What is something about manufacturing that many people outside the industry do not realize?

Manufacturing is a fantastic career. It’s more attainable than one might expect. People have expressed to me how intimidating manufacturing and engineering seem and have spoken about how there’s no way they would have the skill set to be successful. But it really is possible.

Yes, strong skills in STEM are important, but more so it’s about the effort you put in to learning a craft.

Also, the factories of the future aren’t the dirty industrial places we imagine. They’re starting to look more like sleek sci-fi facilities. The industry is forever evolving and it’s so freaking cool!

Do you have any advice for people thinking about manufacturing careers?

Do it! put in the effort, it’s truly a rewarding career. There are so many different career paths one can travel. You can find your niche and run with it. Creatives make great programmers and CAD experts. There’s a place for everyone to succeed.

What do you like to do in your free time outside of work?

I’m a total outdoor lover. Hiking, cycling, beaches, and camping. I’ll take any chance I get to be outside.