Military veteran finds a new career through ECC internship

During his military service, Leo Cooksey, of South Elgin, sustained an injury that limited his ability to lift heavy parts or stand for long periods of time. So, at the age of 40 he needed to make a career change and began taking engineering classes at Elgin Community College (ECC).

Cooksey completed certifications in AutoCAD and Computer-Aided Design. His instructors connected him with the college’s internship coordinator, who helped him find an internship at Sternberg Lighting in Roselle.

“I’ve been working all my life and I never had a job where I just loved coming to work.” he said. At Sternberg Lighting, Cooksey assists senior engineers with sketching electrical posts and anchors using engineering computer software.

Cooksey’s internship earns him the highest salary he has ever had. “I really didn’t expect, with just two years of college, to be sitting here with an internship at a well-known company that makes lighting all over the world,” he said. His success and hard work led to an offer for full-time employment with the company.

Cooksey will complete an Associate of Applied Science degree in industrial manufacturing in fall 2021—but he’s not stopping there. He plans to build on his education and earn an advanced degree in the industrial manufacturing field. “ECC gave me the foundation and the knowledge for me to cross that threshold, and Sternberg helped me with the experience I need to go further.”

If you are looking to start a second career or would like to improve your skills to increase your earning potential, ECC is the place for you. With generous financial aid and scholarships available, ECC is ready to help you pursue your educational goals. New students who register between now and June 30 may be eligible to receive a $500 gift card to the ECC Bookstore and free ECC merchandise. To learn more about all ECC has to offer, visit elgin.edu.