John Podsednik, a University engineering graduate, has entered the job market with force, launching a product in collaboration with Bama Dining. Fueled by the frustration he experienced when his favorite drink, Blue Powerade, was consistently running out in the dining hall, Podsednik has been producing and testing a low soda monitoring system.
“Students can expect that, if the system and employees work as intended, they won’t have to worry about their favorite drinks running out or companies waiting days or weeks to receive deliveries after supplies run out at dining halls,” Podsednik said. “If this product is successful, the technology could be implemented across all dining hall inventory systems, enabling a seamless supply of products from suppliers without miscommunications between customers and suppliers.”
Podsednik’s inspiration may have seemed small, but he said he found that there is a high demand for this product across the market, not just at the Capstone. In turn, he used his connections and education to carve a spot for himself in a market he didn’t expect to find himself in.
“I’m not exactly sure where I thought my degree would take me, but I’ve always been drawn to solving problems. Working on this project has shown me that I can actually make a difference, which is really motivating,” Podsednik said. “So while this might not be the path I originally envisioned, it feels meaningful and it has the potential to create the kind of impact I’ve always wanted to make.”
This project, however, doesn’t come without its difficulties. Podsednik’s team, as well as himself, all work full time jobs outside of this project, so coordinating this project while working has been “challenging.” In turn, making the project commercially viable is difficult, as each member is critical to the integral steps of the market production process requiring a “much higher level of precision and reliability.
The team is aiming to finish and install an updated version of the system in the next few months if funding, installations and staff training come together before the end of the semester.
As Podsednik works on the project, his passion for engineering has only grown, especially since he is able to use his creativity to generate solutions for issues he has experienced first hand.
“It’s rare and rewarding to see a concept move from just a thought to something that can have a meaningful impact on businesses and people. That potential to create real change is what encouraged me to pursue this project in the first place,” Podsednik said.
He emphasizes that students should pay attention to their daily surroundings. It is only by spending time with other students and locations that one will identify a real problem.
“Anyone has the ability to solve problems and make a difference, but it’s very hard to do it alone. So, when you find a problem, do your best to come up with a solution, and then spend time building a team to help bring it to life,” Podsednik said.
