Robotics wasn’t just a hobby for New Orleans native Salonia Baker, it was the spark that led to her joining Fort Worth-based Martin Sprocket & Gear, a multinational manufacturer of power transmission material handling solutions and hand tools.
What started as pursuit of a robotics degree at Tarrant County College became a career-defining moment when Salonia Baker followed a spark of interest into a drafting class and, ultimately, the Computer-Aided Drafting & Design program. That decision led to the Martin job, where she now turns complex concepts into precision-engineered products.
Martin Sprocket & Gear has maintained a longstanding partnership with the TCC South drafting department, consistently hiring students as interns and full-time employees. TCC South Adjunct Instructor Kevin May, a leading designer at the company, calls his colleague Baker a model student and employee, and he praises her ability to thrive in today’s fast-paced professional landscape.
“Salonia was a very fast learner in my class, and in her first few months at Martin Sprocket & Gear, her supervisor tells me the same thing,” he said. “She’s a quick study with anything new and has a great attitude that brightens her department. She just has an eagerness to learn as much as she can about the manufacturing industry.”
This interview with Ms. Baker has been edited for length and clarity.
How did TCC ready you for your current position?
The engineering courses at TCC South prepared me for a multitude of systems, like the ones I utilize in my current role. My coursework gave me the knowledge needed to flourish in multiple fields, including my primary focus in robotics.
How did you secure your role at Martin Sprocket & Gear?
I was nearing my robotics degree completion when, out of curiosity passing by the drafting classes, I decided to sign up for a few courses. I met Mr. May, who was my professor for Solid Works. He told me about a drafting position open at Martin Sprocket & Gear where he works, and he said I should apply. Thanks to the recommendation from Mr. May and the interview going well, I was hired.
Why was this so appealing?
It gave me a chance to apply the knowledge from the courses I have spent the last few years taking, in a field that interests me. It shows me what a positive future I can have in the field.
What are your daily responsibilities?
I turn concepts and specifications from measurements given to me into detailed technical drawings. Those drawings are then used to produce the product the customer wants.
What’s it like working with Kevin May?
I’m at a different facility than Mr. May. Having been in his classes, though, I know it would be a pleasant experience.
Can you talk about any cool projects you’re working on or have completed?
Gears, sprockets and other parts can get exceedingly more complicated the more advanced the function. I recently took a few days to draft a gear with five internal sub-gears. It was definitely a learning moment, but I love a challenge.
What is your dream job, and how will this position help you get there?
I had always wanted to work for NASA, with rockets and aerospace, and even though I might not be building anything there yet, my current role broadens my knowledge on every progressive step, from concept to launch.
Do you have opportunities to work with Martin Sprocket & Gear employees with TCC ties? What’s that like?
Two co-workers took the same courses with the same professors as I did, and they offered plenty of pointers for my next courses. I have decided to continue my knowledge in drafting and pursue the CNC Machinist Technology certification.
What advice would you give a prospective student looking at TCC’s Computer-Aided Drafting & Design program?
If you like mechanical, find some similar courses. Houses? Architectural, maybe some civil on the side. I came to TCC for robotics, and that goal never changed. Even now that I’ve graduated, I’m still taking more courses so whatever field I find myself in in the future will be that much easier.
Does your field need more women? Why?
I think my field needs more women because it will bring diversity. It will also give the younger generation role models to show that they can be in the same field.
Anything else you’d like to add?
Broadening my horizons opened a lot of doors. I’m so glad I applied for the drafting courses when I did. I work for a great company, and I have the wonderful opportunity to learn and grow within that company.
Learn more about TCC CADD at program page or tccd.edu.