Ranken Technical College is a premier destination for many wishing to enter one of dozens of skilled technical professions. But the college is also a valuable method of course correction: a way for adults to change careers and steer themselves onto a more satisfying or sustainable path. One such story, and an extraordinary one, is Eric Bowman.
In 2008, Eric felt himself at a crossroads. “I lost my job and only had a high school diploma,” he says. “I decided to attend Ranken in hopes of starting a new career that paid well and provided good benefits.” Industrial Technology Department Chair Greg Presley remembers Eric well: “Very smart and [in the] top percentage of his class. . . He was a mentor to other students and a great problem solver.”
Eric’s course changed dramatically. He is now an NC (Numerical Control) Electrician working with two global leaders: Boeing and Anheuser-Busch. His fellow co-workers continually deliver accolades about his job performance, whether it’s leadership that promotes workplace safety, developing and verifying complex procedures for a Final Paint Oven, making an impact across an entire tooling center by ensuring 777x robots function correctly, or skillfully identifying deficiencies that result in cost avoidance. A reliability engineer co-worker stated that “Eric deserves commendations for his thorough efforts.”
Eric’s academic performance has been equally outstanding. At Ranken, he repeatedly returned to the well of knowledge to further his skills and career options. From 2009 to 2016, he earned Associate degrees in Electrical Construction Design & Management, Industrial Technology, and Electrical Maintenance; finally, Eric earned a Bachelor of Science in Applied Management in 2020. Eric achieved Magna Cum Laude or Cum Laude status in each case! He is one of many students who has reengaged in higher education at Ranken Technical College and found their true calling.
Learn more at https://ranken.edu/find-your-career-path/
https://www.facebook.com/Boeing
https://www.facebook.com/AnheuserBusch
Pictured (left to right): Tim Nixon, electrical lead man, Nathan Wegener, NC electrician, and Eric Bowman @ Boeing. Photo taken prior to Covid pandemic.