Transfer student turns interest in electrical engineering into career with MyPath2ASU

Jared Gale said he always envisioned going to college and was growing concerned about the toll his job repairing heavy equipment in Arizona copper mines was taking on his health and well-being. 

Gale started his road to higher education at Central Arizona College before completing his degree at Arizona State University via the MyPath2ASU program.

Gale said he found the Central Arizona College professors approachable, with a passion for teaching and making difficult concepts easier to understand. 

His father was an electrical engineer, and Gale ultimately developed a strong interest in electrical engineering as well, making it his major.

Gale said he chose to transfer to ASU because of the innovative programs, experiential learning opportunities and support services that were especially helpful as a working parent. Gale met with his community college advisor and learned how the MyPath2ASU program would help to plan his transfer path term by term, saving him time and money while minimizing loss of credit.

Gale said he appreciated the MyPath2ASU pathway program for helping him successfully navigate the transfer process. 

“It was amazing, my advisor was able to lay out my entire program for me while at CAC. That also provided me with the resources I needed to do the same when I started at ASU, so the transition between the two was very smooth and there were very few surprises. When I actually started at ASU, I understood what to expect,” Gale said.

Gale graduated from ASU with his Bachelor of Science in engineering from the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering in December 2021. 

He discusses more about his transfer journey below.

Question: Were you involved in any clubs or organizations at your community college?

Answer: I was involved with the honors group, Phi Theta Kappa, which included many research opportunities through the organization as well. I was also involved in helping a teacher with his astronomy class; he did a lot of community outreach with the younger elementary aged kids, and I helped him in the evenings with different stargazing activities using telescopes.

Q: Why did you choose ASU?

A: I chose ASU because I lived in Casa Grande and it was the closest university for us, as I didn't want to uproot my wife and little daughter. I also looked at the course load and the different classes that were offered under the engineering path and they seemed a lot more interesting than what the other universities offered. It seemed like ASU had more classes that were directed towards what I wanted to learn in the path I wanted to take.

Q: What did you enjoy most about your ASU experience?

A: One of the things I enjoyed most about My ASU experience was the flexibility I had with my professors. I had to bring my daughter with me to school many times and all my professors seemed to very much enjoy having her be a part of our class. My professors were also willing to work with me when dad duties came and I needed additional support.

The professors all around just understood that we are people and that we're not just machines here to master specific things. They were able to work with you a lot more than just during office hours, which was a great thing. Another thing I really enjoyed about ASU is the undergraduate teaching assistant program, which I participated in and worked as a TA for quite a few semesters. That was really cool to be a part of and give back to some of the students. The experience also solidified my foundation of the more basic concepts and skillset.

Q: What's one piece of advice that you would give to a new ASU transfer student?

A: Your success is going to be based on three factors. It's going to be about showing up, doing the work, and then following through to the end. And if you can do those three things, you're going to graduate with an amazing GPA and with amazing opportunities.

Q: How are you using your bachelor’s degree?

A: I'm currently working in environmental testing, testing components at a subassembly level to make sure they will survive the environment you design them to meet. So, you can definitely apply what you learned at ASU and from your engineering degree.

Q: Is there anything else you would like to share?

A: I think ASU has a lot of really good resources that are not very well known, especially for transfer students. When you have questions, don't be afraid to ask. And a lot of times people are willing to go further than you'd imagine just to help you. Don't ever be afraid to stand out and ask a question that may seem silly or stupid, as it really could be the key to your success.