It all started with Lego.
“As a young kid, I was always into building things and Lego blocks were a huge part of that,” said Jonathan McPherson, director of advanced manufacturing research and training at K-State Olathe. “Then, when I was in fifth grade, my mom said I should think about becoming an engineer and somewhere, there’s a quote from me in a yearbook saying that I'm going to become a mechanical engineer.”
McPherson’s mom was right. Now, he leads K-State Olathe’s Advanced Manufacturing and Bulk Solids Technology Center, fulfilling the promise he made in his yearbook. The center provides in-demand training opportunities for professionals in the manufacturing industry throughout North America, as well as research and analysis on bulk solids.
But for McPherson, like many young engineers, the journey started years before he entered the business world.
“I’ve always been fortunate because I knew what I wanted to do,” McPherson said. “That desire to be an engineer followed me throughout high school and to college. I hadn't necessarily considered getting involved in manufacturing, but life kept leading me in that direction.”
Originally, McPherson planned to design heavy equipment, such as bulldozers. Then he met someone at a career fair who changed the trajectory of his engineering career.
“They explained what the world of engineering was all about, invited me for an interview, and one thing led to another. That was my first job out of college.”
McPherson’s first engineering position really taught him what the worlds of engineering and manufacturing are all about: people who are passionate about the things they create.
“I also remember, in that experience, meeting some of the people I was going to be working with. I just knew this is the industry I wanted to be in, and these were the people I wanted to work with. Everyone was so down-to-Earth.”
One of the most important parts of McPherson’s first position was traveling throughout the United States. He had the opportunity to travel to a variety of manufacturing sites and plants.
“Each one was different,” McPherson said. “One plant made additives, one made lunch meat, one made snack food. I saw this huge range, and along the way, I started meeting and connecting with great people.”
It’s the people thatwho make manufacturing such a wonderful industry to work in, according to McPherson.
“A lot happens behind the scenes that people don’t always think about with manufacturing,” he said. “You don’t think about purchasing agents, HR staff, people who transport raw materials or finished goods, leadership or maintenance.”
Now, team members who work in a variety of positions have the opportunity to work with K-State Olathe at our Advanced Manufacturing and Bulk Solids Technology Center.
Of course, McPherson also has a message for anyone who wants to go into engineering or manufacturing.
“This type of work is right for anyone who wants to work with their hands or is very technical. Somebody who is good at organizing might also do well, somebody who is passionate, somebody who has a desire for leadership.”
McPherson also shared that there is a lot of pride manufacturing, especially having the opportunity to say that you made something in your local community.
“When you walk into a plant and talk to people, generally, everyone is very proud of what they’re a part of, and with good reason. Most people in manufacturing also are very dedicated. It’s not uncommon for someone to spend most or all of their career at a particular site.”
Of course, McPherson also shared encouragement for learners who may be considering a career in engineering but who may have some misconceptions about how to get started.
“People always say, ‘You’re an engineer. You must be good at math!’ I’m not. Don’t let anyone tell you that you have to be good at math or chemistry or physics to be good and make it in this world. If you’re good at building things — whether that be a treehouse or a marketing program — you can be successful in manufacturing.”
Of course, we also asked McPherson what he likes most about this industry.
His answer?
“There’s a lot of satisfaction and pride in building something. This feels overly poetic, but I legitimately believe that manufacturing strengthens communities, and being part of that is, well, it’s very rewarding.”
Learn more about McPherson or register for one of our classes through our website.
