For many students, college is just a step toward a future career. For David Schemenauer, OCCC became both the starting point and the destination of his professional journey.
“The main reason for me coming to OCCC was just how cheap it was compared to the four years,” he said. “And the classroom sizes … I’m a big introvert, so I don’t like being around a lot of people.”
Like many students, Schemenauer was looking for an affordable and comfortable place to study. The smaller class sizes at OCCC helped him feel more at ease and focused in his classes.
Following enrollment, Schemenauer began pursuing a diversified studies degree in science. He admits that he was not very passionate about school in the beginning, but that changed over time. One of the biggest influences on him was his favorite professor, Mark Zindelo, a popular composition instructor at OCCC.
“He really helped me to learn that learning stuff is cool. It’s not boring,” Schemenauer said. “He kind of opened up my brain for just wanting to be more accepting of learning everything.”
Schemenauer’s career path began while he was still a student. He started working at the OCCC Print Shop as a student employee, a position that allowed him to develop his customer service and communication skills.
“It really helped me become more of an extrovert,” he explained. “I don’t avoid conversation anymore. I try to embrace it.”
Before graduating, Schemenauer was offered a full-time position at the print shop, allowing him to smoothly transition from student worker to professional staff. A major turning point came during the COVID-19 pandemic, when he was handling most of the shop’s responsibilities on his own. His dedication did not go unnoticed.
“They came to me one day and said, ‘We can’t afford to lose you,’” he said. “So, they gave me the job and promoted me.”
Now, as the senior printing services technician at OCCC, Schemenauer manages the daily operations of the print shop. His work includes printing course materials, exams and marketing items such as brochures, booklets and banners. He especially focuses on wide-format printing, producing the large banners and signs that are often seen around campus.
What he enjoys most about his job is the people.
“I enjoy the people here at the college,” he said. “That’s my biggest reason for staying here. It gives me a sense of community.”
However, the job also comes with its challenges.
“A lot of stuff happens last minute,” he explained. “We have to make sure it gets out in time,” which can create pressure when deadlines are tight.
For current students, Schemenauer offers some meaningful advice: “Do as much as you possibly can. Join as many clubs as you can. Reach out to as many people as you can.
“Life – it’s about what you know,” he added. “But if you know people, you have a lot more doors to open.”
Outside of work, Schemenauer enjoys weightlifting, hiking and spending time outdoors. Despite becoming more outgoing at work, he still values quiet time at home.
Schemenauer’s journey shows how opportunities at OCCC can turn into long-term success. What started as a student job became a full-time career – proving that sometimes the perfect opportunity is already right in front of you.
