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Kara Krone
Kara Krone
00:35

Kara Krone

De Anza College

Cupertino, CA USA

"Know yourself and believe in yourself."

Career Roadmap

Kara's work combines: Engineering, Education, and Teaching / Mentoring

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Day In The Life

Additive Manufacturing Instructor

I teach 3D printing at a community college, helping students explore innovative applications in engineering.

04:07

Day In The Life Of An Additive Manufacturing Instructor

My Day to Day

As a research and development engineer in the 3D printing industry, my day starts with a stand-up meeting with all team members. I'll catch up with emails before planning out my lab work for the day. I'll then work on prints and experiments in the lab. As a college instructor, I start the day by answering student emails and planning my curriculum. I then review and update the day's lectures. My classes typically involve around a 50-50 split of lecture and hands-on lab.

Skills & Education

Advice for getting started

When I decided to pursue engineering, I knew it would take a while. I had to first complete math courses, then physics, before I could begin engineering courses. I knew people were saying it was taking forever and implied that I'm just a professional student. But I also knew I had the persistence and fortitude to stick with it and see it through.

Here's the path I took:

  • High School

  • Bachelor's Degree

    English Literature

    University of California, Berkeley

  • Graduate Degree

    Mechanical Engineering

    Boston University

Learn more about different paths to this career

Life & Career Milestones

My path in life has been direct

  • 1.

    I started my career in the 2D printing industry, working in a print shop.

  • 2.

    After earning my bachelor’s degree in English literature, I got a job as a legal assistant, which was fine but didn’t feel very fulfilling.

  • 3.

    My interest in engineering was sparked while taking chemistry classes, where I decided to pivot from art conservation to engineering.

  • 4.

    I faced challenges in building my math and science skills but pushed through to earn my master’s degree in mechanical engineering.

  • 5.

    My hands-on experience managing a makerspace at Laney College opened the door to the 3D printing industry.

  • 6.

    After completing my master’s degree, I landed an internship in 3D printing, which became the foundation of my engineering career.

  • 7.

    I found my niche in test engineering, where I combined my love for art and engineering by designing and testing 3D printed components.

  • 8.

    Transitioning to education, I now teach 3D printing at De Anza College, where I have developed a comprehensive 3D printing certificate program.

Defining Moments

How I responded to discouragement

  • THE NOISE

    Messages from Family:

    You're just a professional student.

  • How I responded:

    When I decided to pursue engineering, I knew it would take a while. I had to first complete math courses, then physics, before I could begin engineering courses. I knew people were saying it was taking forever and implied that I'm just a professional student. But I also knew I had the persistence and fortitude to stick with it and see it through.

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