Kylie Kundert wanted to work in robotics, but considering how broad the field can be, she wasn’t sure how to begin her education toward it. A career in manufacturing was never on her radar until discovering the automation, robotics and mechatronics (ARM) program at College of Lake County (CLC).

“I knew for a long time that I really liked computers and technology,” Kundert said. “When I was a junior in high school, I took a computer science class with a small unit on robotics, and I wanted to go in that direction.”

After touring the college’s mechatronics lab at the Grayslake Campus and seeing the advanced equipment, Kundert, from Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, knew CLC was where she wanted to study. Kundert was impressed by the modern look that completely changed the way she viewed manufacturing as an industry.

“I expected a lot of the mechanical and electrical stuff. I had seen that before, but I wasn't expecting all the pneumatics equipment, the advanced robotics and the programming aspect,” Kundert said.

She enjoys the hands-on focus of the program. Instead of spending most of the time sitting in lectures, much of her time is spent in the lab working on assignments.

These assignments aren’t easy, but Kundert wouldn’t want it any other way. Every day presents a new challenge, and she relies on what she’s learned to figure out the solution.

Kundert found that this type of real-world problem solving was exactly what she needed to grow. The program is designed to simulate the workforce as closely as possible, with class schedules and curriculum constantly evolving alongside new technology.

“It's been a very welcome challenge,” she said. “In this program, you're challenged every single day. Each of your classes is a different experience.”

The learning that goes on outside the classroom is something Kundert says helps her grow professionally. She enjoys visiting local companies as a class, giving her exposure to the industry and opportunities to build professional connections.

Kundert had a chance for real-world application of her skills when she competed in the 2025 SkillsUSA Illinois State Leadership & Skills Conference. As part of a team, she earned a bronze medal in the mechatronics competition.

“Kylie is a highly motivated and focused student in my classes,” said Mechatronics Instructor Dr. Vasil Ahchiyski. “She is curious and very engaged in her projects, ambitious to succeed and eager to take on new challenges, including the SkillsUSA competition, where she delivered an excellent performance.”

Kundert received full tuition scholarships for two semesters through the Metallica Scholars Initiative. CLC has been a recipient of grants from Metallica’s All Within My Hands Foundation for the last seven years, totaling $275,000.

Kundert now plans to begin her career as a manufacturing maintenance technician after graduation. Later, she hopes to pursue a bachelor’s degree and eventually work in research and development. Her dream job is to become a Disney imagineer, developing lifelike animatronic figures.

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