Christopher Barfield, Engineering Technology Alum
Degrees:
Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology ('14)
Masters of Science in Engineering Technology ('17)
Current Residence:
Memphis, TN
Current Employer:
Agilent Technologies
What influenced your decision to attend Herff College of Engineering?
My decision to attend Herff College of Engineering was heavily influenced by the things that I learned during orientation. After hearing the great things and projects that the Herff College of Engineering would offer, I was all in.
How did Herff prepare you for your career?
Herff College of Engineering prepared me for my career in various ways. Firstly, by teaching me critical-thinking skills, as well as preparing me for the advancements that were to come in technology. Additionally, it was emphasized within the Herff College of Engineering that learning in college is just the beginning. The real growth happens outside the classroom.
What skills or knowledge did you learn throughout the program that you found most helpful in your career?
I found that emphasis on data analysis tools such as Microsoft Excel were most helpful in my career. Additionally, the format of the labs prepared me for project management and being able to self-manage tasks.
Who was your most impactful professor? Why?
Professor Carl Williams helped me prepare for my career tremendously. His thoughtful way of teaching courses, as well as his emphasis on Excel core skills has impacted my life in immeasurable ways.
Were you involved in student groups? If so, which one(s)?
Engineering Ambassador; Society for Black Engineers
What support(s) did you have during your time as a college student? How did you keep focused on the goal?
My parent were very instrumental to the decisions I made, and still make today. My mother taught me to stay focused by managing distractions and celebrating small wins. My father taught me to never settle, and always work to improve. Those lessons have guided me throughout life.
What was your greatest memory from your time at Herff?
My greatest memory at the Herff College of Engineering was creating a mini barbeque grill in my Tool Automation class with Mr. Hewitt. Mr. Hewitt always taught the most fun classes and had interesting ways to keep the students engaged. During the lab of the Tool Automation class, we were taught various welding and CNC operations. It was very nice to create the mini barbeque grill, and grill a few brats as a way to celebrate success with my fellow lab-mates.
What advice would you give those considering enrolling in Herff College of Engineering?
I would convey to a future student that Herff College of Engineering is all about building solid connections through education, getting involved outside of the classroom, and learning a host of hard and soft-skills that are vital to professional environments.
What do you know now that you wish you had known during your time at Herff?
I wish I knew to keep up with the constant changes in tech—it moves fast, and being adaptable is just as important as knowing the right coding language or tool.
Was your Herff experience worth the price? If you could do it over again, what would you do differently?
The Herff College of Engineering was absolutely worth the price. I feel honored to say that I graduated from Herff.
