Ian Lacquement Engineers A Future In Aeronautics Through Florida College
November 25, 2024 | 3-4 min read
Ian Lacquement’s journey at Florida College began long before he officially enrolled as a student. As a child, Ian frequently attended lectures and events with his mother, giving him early exposure to a community that nurtures both academic and spiritual growth. This experience left a lasting impression, and as he grew older, Ian knew that Florida College was the right place for him.
During his freshman year, Ian quickly immersed himself in campus life. He served as a freshmen senator and took on leadership roles as a Sowers officer. Additionally, he was a member of the cross-country team. While he enjoyed his time at FC, he realized that his degree path would ultimately lead him elsewhere.
Ian made the decision to transfer to the University of South Florida to pursue a degree in mechanical engineering. However, the transition to a larger institution came with challenges. He struggled to stay engaged in the academic environment, where the personal connections with professors that he had enjoyed at Florida College were much harder to come by.
“Going from a place where I could go to my professor’s office and talk about something, to where I would be lucky to catch a minute of time during office hours was difficult,” he admits.
Recognizing the impact Florida College had on both his academic and spiritual growth, Ian decided to return when the college introduced a new mechanical engineering bachelor’s degree.
Now a junior, Ian is actively involved in campus life. He is a member of Arete, one of the student societies, and serves as president of the newly-formed Engineering Student Club, FLITE (which is still awaiting official approval). These leadership roles have given Ian valuable experience in organization, team-building, and communication, complementing his academic studies.
Outside of academics, Ian is gaining practical experience as an intern at Penn Pro Engineering, a private firm based in Lakeland, Florida, that specializes in pumps and high-pressure phosphate systems. This internship has allowed Ian to apply his classroom knowledge in real-world settings, providing him with valuable insights into the field of professional engineering.
“There are things that the classroom cannot teach—things like communication, project organization, and client interaction,” Ian says, emphasizing the importance of hands-on experience.
Looking ahead, Ian hopes to use his mechanical engineering degree to pursue a career in the aeronautical field—a passion he developed through his love of planes and aviation. But he knows that his options are vast within the field of mechanical engineering.
“The best part about mechanical engineering to me is that I’m not tied down to any one field of work. I know mechanical engineers who work on planes, cars, houses, bridges, engines, and the list could go on. Whatever my heart desires to chase after is available with the skills I learn in this degree, and that excites me,” Ian shares.
To get a glimpse into Ian’s FC experience, watch his video here.