David Gutschmidt Recalls His Time At NDSU And Appreciates The Versatility Of Mechanical Engineering

Originally from Devils Lake, North Dakota, David Gutschmidt chose mechanical engineering as his major because he believed it would give him the flexibility to work across many industries and locations. He studied in the ME department from 2009 to 2015, earning his BS and MS degrees in mechanical engineering.

“When I graduated from high school, I didn’t know exactly what I wanted to do for a career, but I thought that a mechanical engineering degree would give me a strong foundation of knowledge that I could later apply to the career I would decide to pursue”

During his time as an undergraduate, David spoke about his experiences at NDSU. “I feel very fortunate for the experience I had in the mechanical engineering department at NDSU. I was exposed to a wide variety of topics, from computational modeling using MATLAB and Ansys, to the latest in polymers and composites, to more traditional areas such as machine design and materials studies. In addition to the classroom, there were lab sessions where we would fabricate a part using turning lathes and mills, use material testing equipment and build electrical circuits.”

After graduating with his undergraduate degree in 2013, David began his master’s degree research under the guidance of Dr. Long Jiang while also working as a teaching assistant in the department. “My time in the master’s program at NDSU allowed me to further broaden my base of knowledge. Especially as I conducted research experiments, I was being educated on the use of more specialized equipment such as scanning electron microscopes, thermogravimetric analyzers, centrifuges, electrospinning machines and countless more.”

When asked what David found most valuable from his time at NDSU after he transitioned to his career, he said the following:

“For me, a valuable skill was understanding the capabilities and limitations of materials, software, processes, and equipment. I felt that as I went through my career, I was able to add value based on what I learned in these areas of study at NDSU.”

After graduating with his master’s degree in 2015, David began working for Montana-Dakota Utilities Company (MDU), as an Engineer and moved to Sheridan, WY. For the next 8 years, David worked for MDU in various roles, including Engineering, Compliance, and eventually Operations. In his last role with the company, David served as Director of Field Operations, Northwest Region, where he oversaw natural gas distribution to 140,000 customers in Washington State.

“When I graduated from NDSU, I still didn’t know exactly which industry I wanted to work in, but I knew I wanted to move west and live near the mountains for recreational activities such as fishing and hunting. That led me to apply for and work in the utility industry. Working in the gas and electric utilities industry for MDU was a great time in my career. It allowed me to move and live across the western United States while contributing to many different departments in the company. Students who graduate with mechanical engineering degrees end up working in all industries. I think that is one aspect that makes the degree so appealing; it can allow you to pursue many different career paths depending on your interests and hobbies.”

For current and prospective students, David shared whether, in hindsight, he would have done anything differently.

“I wouldn’t change anything; I would still choose mechanical engineering. Many of my classmates from NDSU chose different careers and industries and have been successful. The degree gives you the skill set needed to be competent across many industries. Change is always happening, whether it is new materials, improved processes, AI capabilities, or whole new industries; the education I received gave me the skills needed to adapt and be successful.”

David currently lives in Mount Vernon, WA with his girlfriend Hannah where they enjoy the recreation provided by the mountains and ocean so nearby. In 2023, David left his role at MDU and started his own general contracting business.