Student Success: An Interview with Ani Hakobyan

Ani Hakobyan: Engineering Her Future at Pasadena City College

Ani Hakobyan is a driven Electrical Engineering student at Pasadena City College (PCC), where her curiosity for problem-solving and hands-on learning shapes her academic journey. Balancing the demands of school and work, Ani has seized opportunities to expand her skills and network, positioning herself for a promising career in the semiconductor industry. Her experience showcases the impact of community college education in preparing students for future success.


I graduated from Pasadena High School in 2023 and am a sophomore at Pasadena City College (PCC), where I work part-time as a server. I’ve always been drawn to problem-solving and creating things, which fuels my desire to learn and get involved in projects that align with my academic goals.

I chose to attend Pasadena City College for financial savings and PCC’s reputation as one of the top Community Colleges in California with excellent transfer rates. As an Electrical Engineering major, I was also drawn to PCC’s great opportunities for engineering students.


My academic goal is to transfer from PCC with an associate degree and earn a Bachelor’s in Electrical Engineering. In terms of my career, I want to work in the semiconductor industry, and I’m participating in as many internships and programs as possible to help me get there.

My time at PCC has opened doors to internships and clubs, giving me hands-on experience in electrical engineering. These opportunities have broadened my perspective on the field and helped me explore different career paths.


The most rewarding aspect of my time at PCC has been the community here that supports my goals and helps make them possible. From the professors to the students, there is always someone I can count on.

A memorable experience at PCC has been engaging and working with other students whether it be during clubs, labs, projects, or extracurricular activities. Getting the chance to work with so many different people has prepared me for diverse work environments and made the community college experience more enjoyable.

The faculty and staff at Pasadena City College have made it possible for me to start my academic career by helping me get internships with organizations such as California NanoSystems Institute (CNSI) and UCLA Samueli School of Engineering. My chemistry professor, Dr. Jared Ashcroft, has been pivotal in guiding my academic journey and connecting me with these valuable opportunities.


Balancing the workload of honors classes and understanding complex STEM concepts while working part-time has been challenging. However, practicing time management and attending office hours has alleviated much of the stress.

The unique environment that community colleges provide allows me to overcome my challenges by reminding me that I am not alone in my struggles. Various resources on campus tailored to students in situations like mine have been a valuable source of advice and support.


I am a part of the Honors Program, the TRIO Program for Academic Support Services (PASS), and the CalTech Racing Club. These activities have allowed me to take academically challenging courses, receive academic support when needed, and work with other students on a project that teaches valuable engineering skills.

Being a part of these spaces has helped me learn more about engineering, challenge myself with difficult subjects, test my problem-solving skills, and provide a supportive environment that pushes me to be the best version of myself.


I get the opportunity to work with students in fields outside of STEM through classes, friends, programs, and clubs. In the CalTech Racing Club, not everyone is a STEM major, which has taught me the importance of collaborating with people from different talents and backgrounds.

While I haven’t been involved in outreach programs at PCC, I have volunteered through other parts of my community, such as my church.


I strongly urge new students at PCC to join clubs and make meaningful connections with professors and classmates. I cannot emphasize enough how important it is to have a network of people who support you in achieving your goals, and PCC is a community where connections like this are everywhere – you just have to put yourself out there.

I have found reaching out to professors to be the most valuable resource. Professors are there to help support your educational goals, so it’s crucial to take full advantage of their assistance. Additionally, make an effort to demonstrate your dedication and strengths as a student. By doing so, you’ll not only receive their support but also encourage them to invest more in your success and offer additional resources. 


My experiences at PCC have allowed me to grow academically and personally. The skills I’ve learned from internships, clubs, and working with others have prepared me for the future and given me the confidence to continue learning.

After I transfer from PCC, I plan to attend a four-year college to earn my Bachelor’s in Electrical Engineering. My time at PCC has prepared me for this next step due to the hard work and study habits I am implementing in my current studies. I have learned how to learn at PCC, which is by far the most critical skill I have acquired and will take with me no matter what the future holds.


Jared Ashcroft

I am always interested to talk to students, faculty, staff, and industry professionals about micro, nano, and opportunities in the space. If you would like to learn more about MNT-EC or Nanotechnology or ways that community colleges are making a difference, please contact me directly here.


Don’t miss this UCLA article about Ani’s experience at the workforce development program co-led by CNSI, UCLA Samueli and Pasadena City College aims to train California students for the growing semiconductor industry. You can read it here on page, or download the simple PDF version.