Hi, I'm Jacob Anderson.
Future air traffic controller or electrical engineer...whichever comes first!
About me
Hi! I'm Jacob, an electrical engineering student at SIUE, but my interest in electrical work started long before college. Since 2018, I've been following along with my dad on electrical jobs, helping pull wire, install fixtures and outlets, run conduit, mount panels, and test circuits to figure out why they aren't doing what they should. Along the way, I've gotten to see firsthand how he reads a job, diagnoses problems, and figures out the cleanest way to solve them. That got me curious about the engineering behind it all, so now I'm learning the theory to go with what I've seen in the field.
Engineering isn't my only interest, though, as I'm also interested in pursuing a career in air traffic control. This past summer I passed the FAA's Initial Air Traffic Skills Assessment (ATSA), and am now working toward the next steps in the hiring process with the goal of attending the FAA Academy in Oklahoma City.
You might ask yourself, "Those seem like two very different fields. Where's the connection?" Both fields come down to the same two simple things I enjoy most: digging into how things work when I have no clue yet, and organizing fun little shapes, lines, and colors into the place they need to go.
Quick facts
- Location
- Edwardsville, IL
- Currently
- Student at SIUE
- Plan A
- Graduate with a BA in EE
- Plan B
- Certified Air Traffic Controller
- Plan C
- Pray I can produce a REALLY fire podcast
Oshkosh 2026!
New Pal TurtsWhere I'm headed
Electrical engineering
Wanting a career I can be proud of that challenges me every day, I found my passion for electrical engineering through an introductory course in the summer of 2024. Since then, I've committed fully to the field, with graduation expected in spring 2029. This semester, I'm applying for internships with companies that will let me get my hands on any aspect of engineering, whether that's out in the field or behind a desk.
Air traffic control
Aviation has always interested me, and air traffic control is my backup plan to engineering. After passing the ATSA this summer, I finally have the opportunity to pursue it through the FAA's application process. While acceptance isn't guaranteed, I hope to complete the remaining prerequisite testing and attend the FAA's ATC academy.
Experience
- May 2018 – Present
Electrician Assistant, Mission Electric
I assist a master electrician on residential and commercial installation, maintenance, and repair jobs, including pulling wire, running conduit, and installing receptacles, switches, and fixtures. I also handle basic carpentry and keep tools, equipment, and materials moving to job sites.
- May 2020 – October 2026
Volunteer Sound Technician, Providence Church
I ran the audio, lighting, and video systems for live services and special events, mixing for speakers, musicians, and presentations. I set up, tested, and troubleshot the equipment and coordinated with staff and volunteers to keep each service running.
- April 2023 – August 2026
Scale House Equipment Operator, Joe's Market Basket
I ran a front loader and forklift to load and stage customer material orders, and kept the scale house records and transactions accurate. The job taught me to move heavy materials safely and to keep a close eye on inventory and data entry.
Education
- Fall 2026 – Spring 2029 (expected)
Electrical Engineering, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
I transferred here in fall 2026 and am on track to graduate in spring 2029.
- Spring 2025 – Fall 2026
Lewis and Clark Community College
I started here for the financial benefit of getting my lower-level classes out of the way, then transferred to SIUE once I could no longer take a full workload here.
Skills and interests
Skills
Interests
Contact
The best way to reach me is through my number or email! I'll reply as soon as I can.