Darren Kimmel
Cummins, Inc.
Seymour, IN USA
"Everybody you meet impacts your decisions. You learn from the bad just as much as the good."
Career Roadmap
Darren's work combines: Engineering, Technology, and Working with Others
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Day In The Life
Skills &
Education
Advice for getting started
At the time, the only college offering that co-op experience was really far away from where I grew up. I was really nervous about moving away from family and fought that decision for a long time. In the end, it ended up being a great decision for me, both in life and in my career. It forced me to grow up and gave me a solid foundation on which to start my career.
Here's the path I took:
High School
Bachelor's Degree
Mechanical Engineering
Kettering University
Certification
Automobile/Automotive Mechanics Technology/Technician
Life & Career Milestones
My path in life has been direct
1.
Was raised on a farm in rural Springville, IN.
2.
Growing up, he was heavily influenced by his grandfather and uncle, who were both very technologically and mechanically savvy.
3.
By sixth grade, he had decided he wanted to be an engineer.
4.
Attended Kettering University in Michigan, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering with a specialty in automotive design.
5.
While there, he participated in the university’s co-op program with Ford Motor Company, which allowed him to gain work experience while getting his degree.
6.
Was hired on by Ford after graduating—admits he thought that, with his engineering degree, he would be designing cars, but ended up working in manufacturing and operations.
7.
After working there for a few years, he got tired of the harsh winters in Michigan and decided to move back home to Indiana.
8.
He now works for Cummins, Inc. managing the plant and manufacturing engineering teams.
Defining Moments
How I responded to discouragement
THE NOISE
Messages from Family:
You need to go to a college where you can get co-op experience.
How I responded:
At the time, the only college offering that co-op experience was really far away from where I grew up. I was really nervous about moving away from family and fought that decision for a long time. In the end, it ended up being a great decision for me, both in life and in my career. It forced me to grow up and gave me a solid foundation on which to start my career.
Experiences and challenges that shaped me
My parents expected me to go to college, but being the first meant I didn't have an example of how to proceed.