Upon graduating from Ranken, Russ began working as a apprentice
electrician in the IEC.   His background knowledge from Ranken allowed him to completely test out of the first-year program and also receive 2,000 “on the job training” (OJT) hours towards the 8,000 total needed to earn journeyman status.

Russ was determined to put his Control Systems degree to full use and was constantly reviewing and applying for job opportunities in that field.   Finally, in May 2007, he found himself working directly in the control systems field.   Russ now works with customers from every industry, providing them with automation and instrumentation solutions.

According to his mother Cindy, Russ is very happy with how prepared he has been by his Ranken education.  She says, “Russ has always been the best I have ever known when it comes to talking to people, building a working relationship and generally working through issues with them. He is very caring and attentive. "

"I believe while he was at Ranken he was the most involved student ever. Russ served five semesters as a student ambassador, two semesters as a night school teaching assistant and spent two semesters tutoring.  Russ always recommends Ranken as a great institute for learning in any field that they offer and I know at least four people that have enrolled partially due to his recommendation to explore Ranken."

Russ can really amaze me with all the things he gets accomplished all the time. He really excels at prioritizing and emphasizing his family’s importance in his life.”  Russ is now 24, he purchased his first home and is engaged to his girlfriend of seven years.