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TES: Real World Experience
Technology and Engineering Solutions (TES) is a student organization that helps develop the manufacturing and engineering skills and knowledge of students at Bemidji State University (BSU). The organization is part of the Institute of Technology, Entrepreneurship and Innovation within the College of Business, Technology and Communication at the University and is led by program director Karen White and faculty members who are experts in the subject matter.
TES is part of Bemidji State University’s effort to provide students with real-world experience and hands-on learning, giving students the knowledge to excel in the professional world after graduation.
“Technology and Engineering Solutions has expanded my knowledge in the manufacturing and engineering fields,” industrial technology student Dylan Gunderson said. “I have become well-rounded and can walk into an interview with on-the-job training directly after graduation because of this organization.”
Gunderson, an industrial technology student with a construction management emphasis, is one of six students currently involved with TES.
“Technology and Engineering Solutions is giving students the opportunity to apply what they’re learning in the classroom to real-world challenges,” explained White.
Gunderson explained that the real-world experience is great but it’s only one advantage of TES.
“This program has given me on-the-job training, taught me how to deliver a presentation to management professionals, and think outside of the box to help companies run their operations more efficiently,” Gunderson said.
TES develops customized plans for a company’s needs. The program takes on projects that involve industrial and engineering design, rapid prototyping, and prototype engineering. Students also have the opportunity to conduct material selection and testing, manufacturing process development and improvement, product evaluation, and cost analysis.
“I’m always learning something new and applying that knowledge to the current project or thinking about how I can use that information to improve the work of another company,” Gunderson said.
Many of the projects the group has taken on are with companies and entrepreneurs located in the Bemidji area. White explained part of the TES mission is to help businesses succeed in northwest Minnesota and around the state of Minnesota.
“Working with the different companies has shown these students there are employment opportunities in this area and there is a need for students who are well-rounded in the manufacturing and engineering fields,” White said.
Recently, the group has redesigned plant layouts to maximize existing facilities, assisted with the design and build of a manufacturing cell for a local company, and developed a model of a large unit for use at tradeshows.
“The program is keeping money local and allowing Bemidji State students to work off-campus and with the small and large businesses around the area,” Gunderson said.
The goal of TES is to connect Bemidji State students with the community and produce graduates who can play a vital role in helping businesses and entrepreneurs not only succeed but also thrive in northern Minnesota.
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