Daniel Carlock

Daniel Carlock is an online industrial management and technology graduate from Lockport, IL

Hometown: Lockport, IL

Class of: 2024

What did you want to be when you were growing up? Are you pursuing that as a major, or have you taken another path?
I would sometimes go back and forth on different career choices. I finally settled on engineering in high school, and in my senior year of high school I decided to pursue a B.S. in electrical engineering technology. I pursued that major, and then most recently I received my M.S. in industrial management and engineering technology.

What is your major (and/or minor) and why did you decide on this course of study?
I pursued an M.S. in industrial management and technology to better my leadership and managerial skills. It was an opportunity to look at ways to reduce costs in everything I do.

What has been something you have found pleasantly surprising about your experience at NIU?
The best surprise I learned about NIU was the feeling of community I experienced as a graduate student there. Yes, NIU is a large school, but I could see how much the faculty really cared about students, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic and how they accommodated us all.

How have you connected with other students to study for classes, meet new people or form new friendships?
I often engaged in valuable group study and projects in my courses at NIU. I met many new people and made many professional connections and friendships along the way. Even though the communication was often in electronic format, you get that sense of a Huskie family.

Are you involved in any student organizations, mentoring programs or extra-curricular activities? If so, which ones? How have they added to your experience as a Huskie?
I was a member of the Grade Appeal Committee, and I am currently on the Manufacturing Advisory Board at the College of Engineering and Engineering Technology.

What NIU offices, departments or resources have helped you feel safe, supported and successful? And how?
The College of Engineering and Engineering Technology was a huge part of my success. They support students tirelessly through communication, outstanding lesson plans, challenging assignments and group projects, and team building.

Who has been one of your favorite instructors/professors and why? What course did they teach?
Some of my favorite professors in my years at NIU were Dr. Shanthi Muthuswamy (TECH 694), Dr. Abul Azad (TECH 377, TECH 378 in 2005) and Dr. Andrew Otieno (TECH 425 in 2005). These professors all stood out as leaders in the NIU community. They are invested in the university and its mission and equally so in the student body. It's clear they are passionate about their work and the future of their students. They shape the student experience at NIU.

How have you benefited by attending class regularly?
I was an online student, so I attended online lectures that reinforced the material in the textbook and brought me to a further understanding of the subject matter.

Where is your favorite spot on campus or in the community? Why are you drawn to it?
Founders Memorial Library is my favorite place on campus. It has such vast wealth of information and is a quiet place to study.

What advice would you give to a student who is researching colleges to apply to?
I would recommend NIU to anyone because it makes you feel you are studying in a smaller-class-sized environment, but at a large university. I feel this is the most unique part of NIU — when it’s time for classes specialized to your area of study, you don't just get to know the professor, you get to know the whole class. There is a definite sense of community with an education at NIU.

Why is a college education important to you?
The two degrees I have received from NIU (B.S. '06 and M.S. '24) have both made me a better person, worker, student and community member. Especially as a middle-aged student, I walked away with even more, it seemed. I understand exactly how I can use my new degree to have a positive impact on my workplace and my community.

What strategies do you use to manage your time between the responsibilities of school, work, friends and family?
I had to make sure to set aside time for studying; that was key to obtaining my degree. Each Saturday was dedicated to completing my coursework. I took one class per semester, which allowed me to achieve academic excellence without feeling overloaded.

How do you stay informed about events and services that are available on campus?
I check my email and visit different NIU webpages.

What do you do to relax or recharge?
I enjoy spending time with my son to relax, watching NIU football or basketball games, or just going for a walk or watching TV with my family.

Please tell us about your job and hobbies.
I am a lead engineer at Broetje Automation-USA in Elk Grove Village, Illinois. I live in Maple Park, and my hobbies are taking care of my house, garden and yard. Since graduating I’ve been able to start fishing at Lake Shabbona and the Kishwaukee River in the time I used to study. A big part of my life these days is teaching my son to learn and grow!

Is there anything else you'd like to share about your NIU Huskie story?
I am so proud to be a Huskie graduate and part of the NIU community. I really enjoyed mentoring graduate students without significant professional experience during my time at NIU. I hope to continue giving back to the Huskie community.