Ryan Levin ’20, a dual-degree graduate of the audio engineering technology and electrical engineering program, is working as an electronics product support engineer at Triumph Engine Control Systems. He credits his experiences at and during his time at the University of Hartford for preparing him for this opportunity.
Levin says he chose UHart because it was close to home and because of the impressive audio engineering technology program. Ultimately, Levin decided to pursue the dual audio engineering technology and electrical engineering degree after a friend of his mentioned it was an option. “Given my interest in the electrical classes as part of the audio major, it just made sense,” Levin says. “I discovered the program existed during the winter break of my sophomore year, which allowed me enough time to re-evaluate my courses to pursue both programs.”
Ryan Levin ’20, audio engineering technology and electrical engineeringThe best thing about UHart is the fact that it's a big “small” place. You can walk around and know half the people you see, at least tangentially, and strike up conversation and friendship with people from all walks of life.
His experience at UHart was nothing short of fulfilling. “You can say I learned a lot: what it takes to be an engineer, more about myself and my values, working with people and how we interact, about culture and the importance of equity and equality in all aspects of life, about society and its tendencies, and about the world and what needs to be done to help leave it better than we found it.”
Levin utilized various resources on campus to prepare him for his current role. Specifically, he took advantage of working closely with his academic advisors, which was critical as a dual major, to ensure he was on track with his coursework. In addition, he appreciated the staff behind the Office of Career and Professional Development for their continuous support. The office would host resume workshops and career fairs, and staff always made themselves available to meet and offer advice.
Along with his advisor and academic staff on campus, Levin credits much of his success to many of his faculty. Assistant Professor and Program Director Dave Shuman was a very humble and approachable professor and person. “He helped me out a lot when I was beginning to transition into a double major three semesters in with no clue on what to do, and has been one of my biggest supporters to this day.”
Levin also credits Department Chair and Associate Professor Ying Yu and Associate Professor Patricia Mellodge for being two of the best professors he had.
“Professor Yu’s classes were demanding, but she was always willing to help, and I've learned so much thanks to her,” he says. “I could go on but she is truly a wonderful role model and cares about her students’ success.” Professor Mellodge was Levin’s advisor for the electrical engineering side of his dual degree and was extremely helpful when he decided to pursue a dual major. “She was able to pretty much create the roadmap for the dual degree program, which is now an official UHart program of study, and cultivate my professional skills, which ultimately landed me my job,” he says. “I could not have gotten through my program without her.”
Levin also credits the supportive academic staff within the College of Engineering, Technology, and Architecture (CETA) as well for helping him. Specifically, he worked closely with CETA’s Manager of Student Services and Evaluation Janice Girouard throughout the last few years of his college career. “Without her help, my program of study would have been a logistical nightmare,” he says. “She helped me accomplish my goals efficiently and with as much ease as possible.”
In general, Levin says UHart prepared him through the rigorous coursework, team-based assignments, and learning culture. “All these experiences have prepared me well for the dynamics of the workplace,” he says. “Having to manage multiple high stakes assignments at once and see them through to completion was especially relevant.”
This experience came in handy when it was time for Levin to apply for internships before his senior year. He landed a summer internship with TELEFUNKEN Elektroakustic in 2019. “The TELEFUNKEN internship was a valuable foray into the world of full-time work,” Levin says. “It taught me some neat hands-on skills, primarily soldering, which is huge in the audio and electronics industry.” Levin adds how cool it is to think that across the world there are hundreds of microphones with his initials inside of them because of the work he did during this internship—really showing how our students can make a mark in the field (literally!)
Even as a dual major, Levin made sure to get involved on campus, which helped him gain additional experience and make lifelong friendships. He not only served as a member of the Audio Engineering Society UHart chapter, but he also serve as the president for one year and helped bring the club back from years of inactivity. He was also involved with UHart’s on-campus student-run record label RedTail Records, where he was able to begin pursuing his love for music in his band Cassie’s Crutch. The band, made up of four CETA students, is still pursuing music today with Levin as the guitarist.
When asked what advice he would share with prospective students, Levin says, “Don't sweat it. Work hard, and you'll do well.” He adds how grateful he is for his family for being so supportive during his time at UHart and beyond, as well as his suitemates who would ultimately become lifelong friends of his. Levin recommends having a support circle such as this during your time at UHart and remember to make as many memories as possible.