Flying Into the Future With Drones with Amanda

Transcript

Let’s head over to meet Amanda from Santa Fe Springs, California. She’s a graduate of Fullerton College where she obtained her drone piloting license. Fullerton College offers a comprehensive array of academic programs with more than 120 associate degrees and 150 certificate programs. Amanda, tell us what’s going on in the sky. Take it away.

– Thanks for that introduction, Alex. I never imagined myself being a drone pilot, even when I first came to Fullerton College nearly 10 years ago. I knew that Fullerton was a great school since they did prepare me for transfer into a four-year university, but I had to rethink my career path and I found myself back at Fullerton College this time in the Drone Lab and the apprenticeship program. I’m a creative person by nature, and in the earlier part of my college journey, I was interested in video editing and creative writing. I had to balance work, school, and supporting myself. The more I had to work, I realized the longer it would take to obtain my degree and the prospects of job security or sustainable income after graduation wasn’t guaranteed. That’s why the Drone Lab and apprenticeship program piqued my interest. Vocational and apprenticeship programs are vital for bridging education and the workforce. In the Drone Lab, we get that hands-on experience with drone piloting, drone mapping, drone journalism, and even autonomous robotic systems. Importantly, we get to connect with industry professionals and apply classroom skills in real world settings. By learning under experienced mentors, we elevate our education and abilities preparing us for successful skilled careers, and most notably, Fullerton College is now home to the only bachelor’s degree program for drones on the west coast. I never could have imagined the opportunities that had come across, because of this program, and it’s exciting being a part of the small percentage of women in the industry, especially in such a supportive classroom environment that aims to uplift every student, and I’m especially excited to see what the future holds for drones. That’s all I have time for. Back to you, Alex.

– Thank you, Amanda. It is so important to be able to connect with industry professionals in college and the Fullerton Drone Lab offers a variety of degrees and certificates focused on the drone industry. Amanda, we all know you are gonna go far in life and in the air. Take care.