ISA’s Student Guardian Committee Helps Future Industrial Automation and Control Systems Engineers Choose a Career Path

Summary

Industrial automation and control systems (IACS) are essential elements for modern industries and national critical infrastructure, offering diverse opportunities to students and young professionals. Four possible career paths in IACS are Technical, Managerial, Sales and Academic. Dr. Kelvin Erickson and Dr. Hector Puyosa, committee chair and member, respectively, of the International Society of Automation’s Student Guardian Committee, want to make sure aspiring IACS engineers understand all their options.

“We want students to learn about not just what their starting position could be but where they could find themselves working later,” explained Dr. Erickson, who has been the chair of the committee for two years and a professor in Missouri S&T’s School of Electrical and Computer Engineering Department for the past 25 years. “Many students will start in tech areas or sales, but most of them don’t think of managerial because that comes in a future role.” He likes to encourage students to take on leadership roles to practice skills for management jobs they may hold in the future.

Dr. Puyosa, who has served on the Student Guardian Committee for two years, created the document “Your Career Path in IACS: Technical and Managerial” to inform students of their career options. It covers the benefits of choosing a career in IACS, explains the ins and outs of the technical and managerial career choices, identifies trends shaping IACS careers and provides tips for success. For example, the document admonishes students to develop initiative, pursue certifications and join industry organizations. A forthcoming document will focus on other career opportunities within IACS.
 
The Student Guardian Committee focuses on areas in which the International Society of Automation can build value in student membership. The committee hosts virtual sessions and creates documents and notes as resources for student members looking ahead to their careers. On May 28, 2025, at 11 a.m. EST, the committee will host a Connect Live, a virtual discussion, diving into the technical career path. A diverse group of professionals from bp, NASA, Microsoft and National Automation will share their unique career paths, lessons learned and advice for students and young professionals entering the field. Sign up here.

“When you enjoy what you do, every challenge becomes a chance to grow–opportunities are everywhere, and a mindset of continuous learning keep you ready for them,” advised Dr. Puyosa. Dr. Puyosa is Snr. Mngr. Innovation and Architecture for Digital Transformation at SABIC and part-time professor of Electronic & Automation Engineering at Polytechnic University of Cartagena.