Austin Borkowski
Austin Borkowski
Class Year
’17
Major(s)
Physics
Current Position
Senior Electrical Engineer at Milwaukee Tool
Austin Borkowski graduated from Carthage in 2017 with a degree in physics. He is grateful to professors Jean Quashnock, Julie Dahlstrom, and Brant Carlson for guiding him in his Carthage education, which well prepared him for a lifetime of learning.
Mr. Borkowski’s current place of work, Milwaukee Tool, develops new solutions to existing problems that are commonly faced during the layout process of construction sites. As the senior electrical engineer, Mr. Borkowski uses his technical expertise to select outsource suppliers throughout the development process of multiple NPD projects within the Laser product line of Milwaukee Tool.
What have you enjoyed most about your career?
“The variety. I have been fortunate enough to work for three very different companies and held positions as a firmware engineer and electrical engineer.”
How did Carthage prepare you?
“At Carthage, I gained a wide variety of skills and knowledge in a multitude of disciplines, and the ability to pick up new concepts and ideas quickly, helping me to learn on the job.”
Why did you choose Carthage?
“I was very interested in the 3-2 program, with the possibility of doing five years of school to graduate with a BA and an M.Sc. degree. Even though I ultimately did not follow through with the 3-2 program, I was grateful that Carthage prepared me so well for my master’s degree at the University of Oregon.”
What Carthage professors played a part in your success and how?
“Professors Jean Quashnock, Brant Carlson, and Julie Dahlstrom were all equally integral parts of my success. Prof. Quashnock was my advisor, and Prof. Carlson was my thesis advisor. During my thesis process, I was meeting with Prof. Carlson fairly regularly as I was struggling to make progress. He took the time to sit down with me and explain in detail, without giving me the answer outright, the process and solution to the problem. While the process was challenging, I greatly appreciated his time and dedication in assisting with my success and helping lead me towards the answer.”
“Prof. Dahlstrom was also the main driving force for me to go through with the University of Oregon program. I knew I wanted to pursue a higher degree after Carthage but didn’t have much of a plan, and I am extremely glad that she did.”