Steve Seon
Keats Manufacturing Co.
Chicago, IL USA
"Once you find something that you love and are passionate about, don’t coast. Don’t slow down. Keep the momentum going and push even more."
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Steve's work combines: Engineering, Technology, and Building Things
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Day In The Life
Skills &
Education
Advice for getting started
I was always told that you need to go to college in order to be successful. I blindly bought into that and went to a four-year college. However, I didn't do well and ended up dropping out. I eventually found my way into the trade route and now work in an industry that I really enjoy. If I had known that trade schools were an option when I was in high school, I probably would have done that from the start.
Here's the path I took:
High School
Vocational
Illinois workNet Manufacturing Career Internship Program
Certification
CNC Programming
TMA (Technology & Manufacturing Association)
Life & Career Milestones
I've taken a lot of twists and turns
1.
I was born in Chicago, but my family moved to the suburbs when I was about three years old to give me and my brother a better life and education.
2.
My dad was diagnosed with cancer when I was young—we sought treatment for him through all avenues and even went to Korea for treatment, but he unfortunately passed away.
3.
After my dad’s death, I lost interest in everything—I was smart enough to get by in school and work the system, but I didn’t have the drive or passion to be there.
4.
I was able to get into a four-year college but didn’t do well and eventually dropped out.
5.
I didn’t want to burden my mom with more stress, so I moved in with a friend to learn how to be independent and navigate the world on my own.
6.
I picked my old high school job at Ben & Jerry’s back up to gain experience working with people and develop my soft skills—however, I wasn’t making enough money and would go days without eating.
7.
A friend of mine offered me an opportunity at the Illinois workNet Manufacturing Career Internship Program—it opened my eyes to manufacturing and was one of the most life-changing experiences.
8.
I started with an internship at Keats Manufacturing Co., transitioned to a full-time position, and eventually got promoted to a CNC machinist due to my newfound determination to learn and move up!
Defining Moments
How I responded to discouragement
THE NOISE
Messages from Society in general:
You have to go to college to be successful.
How I responded:
I was always told that you need to go to college in order to be successful. I blindly bought into that and went to a four-year college. However, I didn't do well and ended up dropping out. I eventually found my way into the trade route and now work in an industry that I really enjoy. If I had known that trade schools were an option when I was in high school, I probably would have done that from the start.
Experiences and challenges that shaped me
My dad was diagnosed with cancer and passed away when I was young. It was a sad and stressful time for my family. I lost interest in everything—even school felt trivial to me. I was smart enough to get by but just didn't have the passion or interest.
I didn't do well in college because I couldn't find the drive or passion after the loss of my dad. I ended up dropping out of school and struggled to adapt to independent life. I eventually attended a vocational program and things turned around!
After dropping out of college, I was living on my own and took my old high school job back to try and pay the bills. However, it was difficult to get by. I was making less than minimum wage and would go days without eating.