Choosing a college can be tough, but choosing a subject to study can be just as difficult. My hope with my blog series on Alumni is to give insight about what they chose to study and how this affected the rest of their lives. Today’s post is about my dad, David Lyon. He studied Mechanical Engineering in college, and has translated his studies and time at Grove City College into a successful and fulfilling life. Please enjoy the following insight and advice from David Lyon!
Tell me a little bit about you, your hobbies, your family… ect?
I am married and have two children. My daughter is a senior in college and my son is a senior in High School. My wife is a stay at home mom. I like to watch sports, play golf, spend time with my family.
Where do you work and what is your specific title?
I work at a company called McKamish. My Title is VP of Commercial Construction.
What does your current job entail and what do you love about it?
I am responsible for a department within McKamish called the Commercial Construction Group. I have approximately 25 people who report to me. I am responsible for the operations and financials of the department. I love the people I work with and also the satisfaction of seeing a project completed with a satisfied customer.
What club(s) were you involved in?
ADEL Fraternity
How do you feel GCC prepared you for and benefited your future career?
I received a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering. It was a very difficult major and much was expected. Also, my peers were extremely intelligent and competitive. By working and studying with my peers I feel that I was well prepared for the challenges of real world experiences and ability to persevere.
How available are the professors after class time if you need additional help?
The Engineering professors were always available to help.
What does the school offer that you wished you had taken advantage of while at GCC?
Engineering did not allow much free time. There were various clubs and associations that I wish I could have had the time to join.
After graduation, were there any classes you wish you had taken to help with your degree?
I think public speaking should be taught to all students. I don’t remember if it was offered but in hindsight I would have loved to take a course in public speaking.
If you could change something about your college experience, what would it be?
Learn to study and be more disciplined the first couple years. Also, as stated above I wish I had more time to participate in other clubs/associations. There are many great ministry, charity, and associations related to any major that I would have loved to have taken advantage of.
Did you feel Grove City College made sure you were academically prepared for graduate school?
I did not go to graduate school, but feel that I was easily prepared if I wanted to attend.
What is your best advice to give an incoming freshmen at GCC? What did you enjoy the most and find most beneficial at GCC?
Keep up with all course work as you go. Find a study group in your major. Take advantage of clubs, associations, guest speakers to enhance your college experience. Meet people and go to career fairs to get leads on internships and eventually a full time career position.
Thanks so much, David! First, great news, we now offer a public speaking class! Second, check out this list of all of Grove City College’s ministry groups. David said he would have loved to be involved in some of these! Take a quick look and plan to check a couple out when you arrive at Grove City College!
