Immigrant PBSC graduate secures engineering degree and job offer

For years, whenever Wladimir Parlenko drove past PBSC’s Lake Worth campus, he would think to himself, ‘I’m going to study there’. Now, six years later, he has graduated with an Associate in Science degree in Engineering Technology and a full-time job offer.

Parlenko, 21, moved to the United States from Venezuela when he was 15 years old. His family emigrated due to food shortages and limited access to everyday supplies in Venezuela. Parlenko had to learn English and adapt to a new culture and way of life. Despite these challenges, he graduated high school and began considering PBSC as his next step.

Fascinated by computers, Parlenko always knew he wanted to be an engineer. Most of his father’s side of the family are electronics engineers which introduced him to the career path at an early age.

“I love solving problems, and I love working with hardware. You give me a problem, and I try my best to solve it. That’s why I chose the Engineering Technology program and the electronics concentration,” Parlenko said.

While at PBSC, Parlenko discovered numerous hands-on opportunities beyond the classroom. He tutored students who were struggling in electrical circuit classes and worked as a lab specialist, helping build the Center for Engineering Technology at the College’s Boca Raton campus. Additionally, he took a capstone course where he gained practical experience with automation and robotics.

All these experiences led to an internship with Harmsco, a Riviera Beach-based company that manufactures liquid filtration products. He began the internship five months ago, and the company has since offered him a full-time position upon graduation.

“Harmsco is giving me the opportunity to work as an engineer and get to do what I love,” Parlenko said. “I’m excited to gather more experience and keep going in my career.”

He credits PBSC’s professors for guiding him along the way. He is especially grateful to Dr. Eva Suarez, professor and chair of PBSC’s Engineering Technology department, who he says helped him land the job offer and taught him how the industry works.

“Watching Wladimir overcome challenges and thrive in our Engineering Technology program, especially with robotics, has been incredibly rewarding,” said Eva Suarez, Ph.D. “I have no doubt that he will continue to achieve great things in the engineering field.”

The biggest takeaway for Parlenko from his time at PBSC wasn’t circuits or robots. It was learning to believe in himself.

“My mindset right now is completely different than I had before coming to college,” he said. “I feel that I can do great things. I don’t put limits on myself anymore. I know I can become a successful electrical engineer.”