Finding the Right Fit, One Pivot at a Time
Posted by katie.weibel
Finding the Right Fit, One Pivot at a Time
For Jeffrey, coming to PCC was about finding a new direction—and a place where he could be fully present in his work.
Before returning to school, Jeffrey had built experience in customer service, content moderation, and data-driven analysis. Like many people navigating the modern workforce, he also experienced multiple layoffs. After years of working remotely and spending most of his time behind a computer, he realized he wanted something different.
“I wanted to pivot from just using a computer at home to actually going into an office and working with my hands,” Jeffrey shared.
At PCC, that curiosity turned into action. He began learning new technical skills—PLCs, welding, machining—and quickly discovered that he was a stronger student than he’d ever been led to believe. The more he learned, the more motivated he became. That momentum led him to additional coursework through MHCC and hands-on training connected to OMIC, where he explored machining and research-and-development work.
“I really liked machining,” he said, “but I found out it was physically taxing. That’s when I realized I wanted to go in the opposite direction—into cleanroom work, where everything is microscopic.”
Jeffrey connected with Career Pathways & STEP through OMIC, where he met his coach, David. From the beginning, David provided guidance during a period of intense transition—helping Jeffrey navigate unemployment timelines, internships, resume updates, and next steps in an unfamiliar field.
“I would just go into his office and explain my situation,” Jeffrey said. “And he would be on it. Constantly. I never felt like I didn’t have him.”
As a returning student after many years, Jeffrey also had to relearn how to learn—especially while navigating ADHD. With the support of instructors and open conversations about learning styles, things began to click. “One of my instructors told me he had ADHD too,” Jeffrey shared. “He said, ‘It’s manageable—and I’m living proof.’ That meant a lot.”
Soon, Jeffrey found himself earning strong grades and landing on the Dean’s List—a milestone he never expected. “I never did well in school before,” he said. “That moment made me think, ‘Yeah—I can do this.’”
Today, Jeffrey works at Microchip, where he’s part of a diverse, supportive team in a cleanroom environment. The transition—from working remotely at home to putting on a bunny suit each day—was challenging at first, but it brought clarity and balance.
“When I take the suit off, work is over,” he said. “My bedroom isn’t my office anymore. That separation really matters.”
Many of the skills Jeffrey developed at PCC continue to show up in his work today—from math and blueprint reading to a deep respect for safety and process. “You learn quickly not to be a hero,” he said. “If you don’t know how to do something, you ask.”
Looking ahead, Jeffrey sees multiple paths within Microchip—process engineering, technician roles, or continuing as a production specialist. What matters most to him is staying curious, capable, and grounded.
For anyone wondering if it’s “too late” to start something new, Jeffrey offers simple advice:
“It doesn’t matter how old you are or how slow you go. As long as you’re in motion.”
His journey is a powerful reminder that career paths don’t have to be straight to be successful—and that with the right support, it’s possible to find work that fits both your skills and your life.