By Avery Tucker
When thinking about opportunities involving EVs and the engineering industry, it can be hard to picture where an art or communications major will fit into the mix. However, at The University of Alabama & Shelton State Community College Battery Workforce Challenge team is uniquely composed of multiple different fields of study and experiences.
The BattChallenge offers an unparalleled learning experience by combining multidisciplinary members and various differing years of experience. The UAF & Shelton State team is composed of over 14 majors just within the team leads. The team also works with UA’s STEM/CREATE Path to the MBA program, adding more creative minds and disciplines to the team structure. Combined, the team has more than 40 years of shared experience.
Abi Brewer, a UA undergraduate student majoring in studio art and international studies, has found an unmatched way to branch out and use her skillset in a different industry. Through the CREATE Path to the MBA, Brewer was given the network and opportunity to connect with the Battery Workforce Challenge’s promotions team.
“Along with the promotions team, I was given the role of Recruitment and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion lead, where I organize recruiting activities, DEI training and foster team morale,” Brewer said. “My favorite part of this experience is getting the chance to work with an interdisciplinary, diverse group of students.”
When it comes to working with various industries, Jane Ann Baggett, a UA undergrad studying creative media, says everyone’s perspectives and skillsets create groundbreaking ideas.
By being in a collaborative learning space, Baggett has gained understanding with the more technical aspects of the challenge, strengthening her knowledge in a new industry.
From a STEM major outlook, this challenge has allowed members to strengthen technical skills while learning communication and media skills.
Anastasia Ramig, a UA undergrad math and physics major, says jumping from a meeting about social media to reviewing technical deliverables with engineering leads shows her how to make the two areas connect to create a bigger picture.
By combining people from all backgrounds and various fields of studies, the UA & Shelton State BattChallenge team offers a combined learning experience in engineering, leadership, communications, sponsorships, business, promotions and operations. These are types of experiences you cannot find in the classroom.
You can find out more about the UA & Shelton State BattChallenge’s collaborative team by visiting its Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn pages.
