Alumni Profile: John Beinlich '15
May 2019
The Alumni Association operates a robust social media platform as a way to engage with over 43,000 students and graduates that got their start at Delaware County Community College. From Facebook to Twitter and LinkedIn, we look for unique success stories which can inspire current students and fellow alumni. Earlier this spring, a post on LinkedIn caught our interest.
The post came from John Beinlich ’15, a graduate of the College’s Technical Studies Management program. Beinlich’s career began by way of an apprenticeship in shipbuilding which led to being able to enroll with 26 credits to begin his academic career. The College has provided a three-year apprenticeship training program through an agreement with the Philadelphia Shipyard for 15 years.
Originally hired as an apprentice, Beinlich was promoted several times over 12 years from team leader-dock outfitting and machinery to production foreman-propulsion and machinery. His days included oversight of millions of dollars of workforce and equipment while his nights were spent in the classroom to advance his career.
“When I finished my apprenticeship, I learned that no one who ever worked for my company had ever turned those 26 credits into a degree. I took that as a personal challenge and went back to Delaware County Community College for one class a semester. I finally graduated with a 4.0. in spring 2015.”
His advice for those seeking to follow his success: “I would recommend doing an apprenticeship. Learning the trade you want to specialize in is essential and it is going to pay equal or greater than most entry-level positions.”
In the classroom, two professors helped Beinlich with his academic goals. “Professor Darin Kapanjie taught me that I can actually do math, much to my surprise. I learned it’s not that I couldn’t do it I just didn’t like too much. Also, Professor Tayna Gardner, who I had for public speaking, is just a positive and motivating force. The College is lucky to have her.”
The other reason for pursing a degree at the College is a smart one: avoiding financial burdens. “Student loan debt is crushing an entire generation. In my work experience, I meet countless engineers from great schools with enough debt to buy a home. My advice to those reading this is to forget the fancy school and buy the house. Both my wife, who is a registered nurse, and I have only associate degrees from the College and our salaries match or surpass almost all of our peers.”
Last month, Beinlich again posted on LinkedIn that his experiences were taking him from the shipyard to the Army Corp of Engineers. His announcement was both bittersweet and confident, as he assumed a new role as an engineering technician and cost estimator. “This a dream job for me and most people I know. My college degree, along with my apprenticeship in shipbuilding through the College and the Philadelphia Shipyard were the tickets to the interview.”
To connect with John Beinlich or fellow alumni, visit our alumni group on LinkedIn.
