Michael Geeter - Alumni Profile

Michael Geeter Michael Geeter, of Pontiac, Michigan, is Staff Engineering Checker at BAE Systems in Sterling Heights, Michigan.  The graduate of Pontiac Central High School earned an Associate Degree in General Studies from OCC (‘91), and a Bachelor’s in Organizational Management from Central Michigan University.

With more than 20 years of experience in design engineering, including managing designers and checkers, Michael has worked on the Pro/Engineer CAD design package, as well as AutoCAD, CATIA, and CADAM.  He has worked in various fields including automotive, heating and cooling, and military, and has design engineering experience in front-wheel drive half-shaft assemblies, fuel rails, fuel pump/reservoir assemblies, water-cooled and air-cooled chillers, hood release assemblies, and junction box assemblies, to name a few.

Why did you choose to attend OCC?
In addition to the convenience of OCC campus locations, and its reputation for strong curriculum and instruction, many of my family members and friends have attended OCC.

What is your fondest memory of OCC?
Graduation day!  It was the culmination of several years of work.  Like many OCC students, I worked full-time and was raising a family while taking classes.

What surprised you the most about OCC?
The variety of classes and degrees available.

How did attending OCC impact your life?
OCC provided me with the tools that put me ahead of my peers, affording me the opportunities to advance several times early in my young career.

What has been your most rewarding professional or personal experience since graduating?
My role as the Lead CAD Designer for Carrier in Charlotte, North Carolina provided me with increased responsibilities, the chance to mentor less practiced employees, and the opportunity to manage design teams from India and China.  It was a rewarding experience.

What advice would you give other OCC graduates about school and life after school?
Go after your dream career while you are earning your degree.  Understand that there are many people doing similar things as you - so give yourself the upper hand and look for opportunities early.  Also - be flexible.  Don’t be afraid to change your planned course of action - I started out pursuing a mechanical engineering degree at Cornell, but changed course and got my degree in organizational management from Central Michigan University.  Sometimes, you have to change for the betterment of your opportunities and happiness.

What would you like for people to know about OCC that they might not necessarily know?
If you watch (and listen to) the “thank you” video on the OCC Foundation website (www.oaklandcc.edu/foundation), you will hear my voice.  I was happy to narrate this video recognizing and thanking OCC donors.