UNOH Students Visit SEMA

Posted on Friday, November 19, 2021

(L to R) UNOH student Jack Reusch, Graduate Frankie Forman, Student John Hartman, and UNOH Director of Development Trey Becker at 2021 SEMA show

Written by Communications Specialist Georgia Beard

The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show is the premier trade show for individuals employed within the automotive aftermarket industry. Every year this event takes place at the Las Vegas Convention Center. This trade show is geared to help small business thrive and succeed. It’s also a chance for individuals in the industry to show off their skills, make connections, and enjoy anything and everything automotive-related. Each year, a handful of UNOH students are given the opportunity to experience the show first-hand.

SEMA offers scholarships to students going into the industry. Once students apply for the scholarship they have the chance to be selected to make the trip to Las Vegas. This year UNOH students Jack Ruesch, John Hartman, and Trevor Jones were selected for this unforgettable excursion.

Jack took this opportunity to learn how to push himself out of his comfort zone. “I would go up to random people and start a conversation,” he explained. “I learned more about how to handle myself in a professional setting and I got to practice working on my first impression.”

“I met a few Formula Drift Drivers, Micah Diaz and Ben Hobson, and a few Lonestar Drift Drivers, Jack Davis and Jake Wise,” Jack said. “All of these drivers desperately need mechanics in the upcoming season, I am hoping to position myself to help out whatever team needs me!” Jack also took the advantage of making connections and introduced himself to one of the founders of Formula Drift, Ryan Sage.

The students had the opportunity to get a glance inside the industry and made connections they can carry into their careers after graduation. “You cannot find an experience like this anywhere else. It was great networking practice for me,” Jack exclaimed. “I was able to push myself in ways I have always felt unsure about. I have learned a lot about myself from this trip and I am incredibly thankful!”

For information on how students can apply for the 2022 Scholarships, visit https://sites.sema.org/scholarships/

Category: Applied Technologies

Keywords: SEMA