Life has, in some respects, come full circle for Tyler Gardner. Tyler is a 2013 graduate from the University of Idaho’s Industrial Technology Program. He now has an interesting and challenging professional career as an Industrial Designer and from time to time is back on campus. He is working on projects at University Place with his employer, Walsh Engineering.
An Idaho Falls native, Tyler graduated from Idaho Falls High School and then found employment on construction jobs. They were good jobs but didn’t fuel Tyler’s creative side and wouldn’t lead him where he wanted to be. To get there, Tyler knew he craved and required more education. He started investigating his options for college in eastern Idaho. Tyler chose the Industrial Technology degree program because it can be done entirely in Idaho Falls and is very technical in nature.
Debbie Caudle, his academic advisor for the degree, has this to say about working with Tyler. “He was a joy to work with. Besides being a cheerful guy, he was willing to do the hard work to get the degree. He was excited by new opportunities for courses and what he could do with the degree when he graduated.”
Tyler notes several of the courses that he took as being particularly useful in his career. “The CAD (drafting) class and both Labor Law and Government Contract Law have given me a solid foundation from which to build. Being in school also helped give me an edge in learning how to work in an office environment.”
On any given day, he can be found doing drafting, management assessments and construction support. He is involved with projects that affect health and safety concerns such as the ventilation needs for laboratories and working to make necessary improvements to the mechanical systems at University Place.
“After I graduated with my bachelor’s degree, I was hired as an intern at Walsh which led to a permanent position there. I really enjoy the work that I do.”
He is lucky to live close by his office, so he walks to work every day. His home is filled with a menagerie of lively animals including a dog, cat, rat, and several finned friends that live in his fish tanks. Caring for the animals and the aquariums takes a bite out of his day and according to Tyler its time very well spent. He also loves to cook with his boyfriend and has become “a pretty good cook.” In his spare time, he hones his skills on the piano or listens to a variety of other music.
Tyler’s life recommendation is good for anyone whether it’s college or something else that drives you.
“Don’t spend too much time looking around at what you might want to do. Just try things. Don’t wait for them to come to you. Go find them!”