“I Could Not Have Chosen a Better Start:” Future Engineers Explore Academic and Career Pathways at Night of Engineering

College of Southern Maryland (CSM) alumnus Nathan Daetwyler has built an exciting career as an electronics engineer with the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD). He reached these goals through the Southern Maryland Engineering Partnership, which offers students a seamless, affordable pathway from degree to career close to home.   

“I work on fighter jets and get to do some of the most fascinating things in the world,” Daetwyler said. “Starting at CSM, I was able to build a strong foundation in engineering, develop personal connections with professors, and be able to pursue the parts of engineering I’m interested in the most.”  

Daetwyler shared his story at CSM’s Night of Engineering, a biannual event to introduce high school and college students to the Southern Maryland Engineering Partnership and explore engineering degree pathways and career options in the region.  

Through the partnership, students can begin learning at CSM to earn an associate degree in mechanical or electrical engineering, then transfer to the University Systems of Maryland at Southern Maryland (USMSM) for a bachelor’s degree in the same field. Along the way, students may have internship opportunities with NAWCAD, with the possibility of full-time employment after finishing their degree.  

Daetwyler, who also went on to earn a master’s degree in electrical engineering from the University of Maryland (UMD), said this partnership provided important resources for him to succeed.  

“Looking back, I could not have chosen a better start,” Daetwyler said. “It is really special that we have this in our backyard. You don’t have to go far from home to go far in engineering.”  

During Night of Engineering, students can tour the USMSM Steny Hoyer SMART building and its state-of-the-art engineering labs and meet with professors and regional employers connected to the engineering industry. Partnership Coordinator Christine Owens hopes the event helps students see how they can build a career in Southern Maryland. 

“This partnership was developed because of the great need for engineers in this area, not only with NAWCAD but with contractors and private industry partners,” Owens said. “We needed to create a seamless but rigorous pathway for students in Southern Maryland to get an affordable education.”  

The affordability is what inspired Dwight Stephens to enroll in the program. After getting accepted into several universities, Stephens planned to attend school far from home. But when his family asked how much debt he was willing to take on, he reconsidered, and said he found opportunities beyond lower tuition.  

“I couldn’t imagine being 22 or 23, having a job, and the first thing on my mind not being, how do I establish myself in my career, but how do I pay off this six-figure loan,” Stephens said. “CSM was so much more than a cost-effective option. I gained so many opportunities for internships, networking, and professional development.” 

As a CSM alumnus, Stephens is currently finishing his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering at USMSM and plans to stay in the region to begin his career with NAWCAD.  

While the partnership with USMSM is for mechanical and electrical engineering students, CSM students interested in other engineering fields may transfer to UMD College Park through the Engineering Transfer Recruitment Opportunity (ENTRY) program. That’s where CSM student Mia Iampieri is looking forward to attending next year.  

CSM student Mia Iampieri started in the math and science program without a clear career goal. After attending Night of Engineering in spring 2025, learning about the ENTRY program and meeting regional employers, she decided to pursue civil engineering. Since, she changed her major to engineering, secured an internship and part-time job with a local firm, and plans to transfer to UMD to earn a bachelor’s degree in geotechnical and structural engineering.  

“Since joining the ENTRY program, I can envision my newly developed goals coming to fruition,” Iampieri said. “I have been able to advance myself professionally and academically by learning how to become a better student and becoming more involved in the CSM community. I strongly encourage other students to step out of your comfort zone and seek out new opportunities.”  

Night of Engineering will be held again in the spring. The date and registration information will be announced closer to the event. The Southern Maryland Engineering Partnership website has more information about the engineering program, transfer options, and scholarship opportunities.