what i know now
Alex Katchur
age: 24
hometown: Hoover, Alabama
education: Auburn University; majored in Chemical
Engineering (Biomedical Specialization)
occupation: Quality Engineer with CSP Technologies
Alex Katchur loves a challenge. As a quality engineer with CSP
Technologies, Alex uses leadership and project skills he honed in
college to develop solutions for customers and within the company.
All the hours and late nights spent studying and working on projects
with his engineering classmates proved valuable experience for the
24-year-old Auburn grad. “My favorite thing about my job is that I get
paid to solve new and complex problems,” he said.
work experience: As a quality representative at CSP, I work
with domestic and foreign customers, design and coordinate cost
improvement projects and lead cross-functional teams to address
“day to day” systemic problems.
breaking it
down with
parental guidance: My parents, Stephen and Ragna, taught
me that a person’s work ethic is the ultimate decider in a person’s
success. Growing up in a Christian household taught me compassion,
forgiveness and patience. I am grateful for my teachers and my tutor
Mrs. Faulkner for nurturing my love of math and science.
alex
katchur
advice for parents: Help your teen think about which
subjects they excel in and why. Using those universal skill sets on
a daily basis is what leads to an enjoyable and rewarding career.
Encourage them to reach out to people in professions they are
interested in (job shadowing, for example).
I have no idea how my parents accomplished this, but try to figure
out a way to motivate your kids to want to do their best at everything.
Don’t motivate them to just “do their work.”
fun facts
Alex loves soccer and has
played his whole life. He’s
also a Star Wars fan and
has perfected his Yoda
impersonation.
)
v
reality check: The classic idea of having one “boss” doesn’t
exist anymore. As a young professional, companies will have you
working and reporting to multiple senior members to discover what
you do best and help you grow.
advice for teens: Don’t stress over finding a profession. High
school is stressful enough. Focus instead on doing your best in school
—this will lead you in the right direction.
rookie mistake: In college, I didn’t devote enough time to
classes like English and History because of a lack of interest.
can’t live
without
1. ESPN
2. FOOD (Breakfast ALL DAY Everyday, if it were possible)
3. Movies (Loves corny Sci-Fi flicks)
8
lesson learned: One of the biggest shocks I found at college
CSP Technologies’ future and possibly using my skills to manage
fellow employees. I’m also looking forward to starting a family with
my fiancée Lauren.
was realizing that all of that “free time” wasn’t really “free.”
looking ahead: My goal is to make a significant impact to
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