Alumni Career Feature
Robert Blauser
We feature alumni with interesting careers from a variety of career areas. To find out more about the alumnus profession contact them via the e-mail provided. Or if you are interested in being featured, e-mail us at alumni@pct.edu.
- B.S.,Welding and Fabrication Engineering, 2000
- Harley Davidson Motor Company
- robert.blauser@harley-davidson.com
Robert’s Background
Robert developed an interest in welding and joining materials while in high school. He excelled in the metal classes offered through his high school and knew Pennsylvania College of Technology had a reputable welding and fabrication curriculum. While high school friends were packing for college, Robert was working several jobs to save the money needed to further his education. After some time, Robert was able to pay his way through college and earn an associate’s degree and then a bachelor’s degree in welding and fabrication engineering technology.
Harley-Davidson Motor Company
Today, Robert is a manufacturing engineer leader at Harley-Davidson Motor Company. He has furthered his education since Penn College by earning a master’s degree in business management; he is pursuing a second master’s degree in engineering management. Robert is responsible for welding and fabrication processes and technical applications within the company. He spends much of his time in strategic and operations planning sharing his expertise and experience with company leadership to improve manufacturing processes. The solid foundation in technology and applications, as well as the theory and practice at Penn College, is serving Robert well.
Advice
His philosophy mirrors that of the College; you must acknowledge and understand that education is a lifelong process. He advises students to further their education as much as possible. Industrial and technological change is inevitable and these changes require a deeper understanding of asset procurement, integration, and organizational-change management, he said. Education also serves as a conduit for building relationships and networking with the industry. Robert is a long-time member of the American Welding Society, a membership that started while he was a student at Penn College. He suggests that students take advantage of the diverse curriculum and extracurricular activities at Penn College to advance in industry, as well as in life.
Future
Robert’s enthusiasm to learn and grow professionally and personally is very apparent. He is committed to his work at Harley-Davidson and has his sights set on increased responsibility within the company. Following his own advice on life-long learning, he is considering a doctorial program after completing his second master’s degree. There is no doubt Robert has proven to be an asset to his company and the greater community.
