For some Ohio State engineering students, a career fair conversation led to far more than a résumé exchange. It led to Honda’s Launchpad program, a partnership between The Ohio State University and Honda that helps students in the College of Engineering and at the Max M. Fisher College of Business explore career pathways in the automotive industry while experiencing the company’s culture firsthand.
Through plant tours, networking events and hands-on activities, Launchpad gives students an inside look at the industry and, for many, a clearer sense of their future.
“At Honda, we believe that hands-on experience is a powerful tool to shape students’ perspectives on careers in manufacturing,” said Derek Davis, operations manager for the Honda–Ohio State Partnership at American Honda Motor Co., Inc. “This program is designed to immerse students in real-world innovation, giving them direct access to our technologies, our teams and our culture. Through the program, we are not just educating them — we are investing in the next generation that drives Honda forward.”
“This program reflects the strength of the Honda–Ohio State Partnership,” said Alissa Comella, associate vice president for corporate partnerships and co-director of the Honda–Ohio State Partnership. “Launchpad gives our students a chance to explore career possibilities in real-world settings while also giving Honda a pipeline of talented, motivated Buckeyes eager to contribute.”
Students discover the program in different ways. James Colachis, a third-year honors engineering technology student, first heard about Launchpad while talking with Honda representatives at a career fair. “Derek Davis, the program leader, told me about it, I applied and got accepted,” he said.
Serena Mathis, a senior in electrical and computer engineering, said her invitation arrived unexpectedly after she applied for a role with Honda. “I was so surprised I got accepted,” she said. “Every event we attend, we get to do hands-on things, network with students and employees from Honda. My favorite was the facility tour and going to the Honda Museum. I even got to ride an ATV. It really galvanized my passion for ECE.”
Brooke McPike, a second-year mechanical engineering major with a business minor, joined after hearing about the program through the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. “I toured ADC (Honda’s Auto Development Center), got to see all the testing they do there, rode the Motocompacto — they even put my picture on social media,” she said. “It was all great exposure.”
For Francesca Parker, a second-year industrial and systems engineering student, Launchpad helped focus her career ambitions. “Coming into college, I wasn’t completely sure what I wanted to do, but this solidified my desire to work in the automotive industry,” she said. “I got to meet the creator of the Motocompacto, Nick Ziraldo — a Honda engineer and Ohio State alumnus — members of the Honda associate racing team, and see how much fun you can have outside of just a nine-to-five job.”
Leah Vick, a second-year engineering physics major, entered through the Honda Dream Scholarship. “Since I received that scholarship, I got an automatic in,” she said. Even with limited time to participate, the experience led to her first co-op. “That made me realize I want to be in manufacturing, especially power sports — things like snowmobiles, ATVs and jet skis.”
Across the board, students said Launchpad has given them confidence about their future. Mathis said the program helped her identify a direction in electrical engineering. McPike discovered new interest in the Production Engineering Business Unit. Parker said it showed her “the kind of work I want to pursue.” Colachis added, “Manufacturing engineering is exactly where I want to be after graduation.”
For many, Launchpad is just the beginning. Several students are pursuing co-ops or internships with Honda, with hopes of building on the experience. “No one really knows what’s next,” Mathis said. “But I feel more confident than ever. I want to stay in Launchpad until I graduate, keep applying for co-ops and especially explore robotics at Honda.”