At the age of 57 and nearing retirement, Philip Linquist decided it was time to take care of some unfinished business.

“Why not get that degree I never had,” shared Philip.

When Philip first started college as a teenager, he was intent on pursuing an Engineering degree at Washington State University. The first year was challenging, but he knew that was to be expected given his field. Philip still recalls being challenged by the upper-level math courses.

“My lack of solid study habits back then really hurt me,” recalled Philip. “It wasn’t that I wasn’t smart enough, it was just poor choices in a new environment that made things near impossible.”

As a result, Philip only completed two years at Washington State University and left before getting his degree.

Yet despite not having his degree, Philip left the college life and began a successful career in the field of engineering. In the decades that followed, Philip worked up the corporate ladder to become a Mechanical Engineer at the largest manufacturer of large folding and sliding door systems in the world, LaCantina Doors.

“I couldn’t have asked for a better career,” shared Philip. “Every day, I’m excited to come to work because I get to design neat products that everyone wants to have in their homes.”

In the ever-evolving world of engineering, Philip has adapted and grown his skillset to meet the needs of the industry. And one day in 2017, Philip made a career decision that would bring him back to a college campus.

Said Philip, “I didn’t have any 3D modeling experience and I knew that just down the road, MiraCosta College was offering a SolidWorks class that would help me upgrade my work skills.”

Soon after, Philip was back in a classroom learning about the latest engineering technology. That experience then led Philip to think bigger.

After such a positive experience in the SolidWorks class at MiraCosta College, Philip decided there was no time like the present to go back to college.

“The learning environment, fellow students, and professors were all so positive and supportive,” shared Philip. “I knew this was the perfect opportunity to get my degree that I always wanted.”

Less than ten classes short of his degree, Philip spent nights and weekends taking classes and studying to finish the courses he needed for his Engineering degree. Today, he is just two classes shy of graduation.

“Even though I am getting my degree later than most, I am thrilled to be on the verge of graduating,” said Philip.

Philip is quick to highlight the role that MiraCosta College played in his journey, and is now thinking of ways to give back to the next generation. Amid all the day-to-day work and classroom studies, Philip is working with MiraCosta College faculty and staff to explore opportunities to support future engineers and architects in the region.