Jackie Sorensen
Service Technician, Thorson Heating, Inc.; Sioux Falls, SD
STI Class of 2010
Degree: Heating/Ventilation/Air Conditioning/Refrigeration Technology

Circling Back
Jackie Sorensen switches gears and redirects herself back into the family business.

Straight out of high school, Jackie Sorensen’s plans didn’t include working for her father as a Service Technician at Thorson Heating, Inc. In fact, she enrolled at a state university to pursue another direction entirely. However, after just one semester she knew it wasn’t for her. “It just wasn’t working out for me so I had made the decision to look into Southeast Tech. It was close to home, affordable and my credits transferred in easily.”

Choosing to pursue a Heating/Ventilation/Air Conditioning/Refrigeration Technology degree wasn’t a difficult decision since her father was in the business. However, as the only woman enrolled in a program full of men, it was challenging in many ways. Not only was Jackie making the transition from learning in a lecture environment to a hands-on shop, she also had to prove herself in a male-dominated field.

“It was a little different setting to be out in the shop most of the time, but I think it helps to actually do what you are learning instead of just reading it in a book. It was also pretty interesting at times because I was the only girl in class.” She laughs, “At first, it was hard adjusting because no one wanted to be my partner until after we took an assessment test. I had to prove myself, but that’s why working with my dad over the summer had helped me get a head start in school too.”

Today, Jackie couldn’t be happier with her choice to join her father in the family business. “Getting a degree from Southeast Tech made a huge difference in my career. I was already working with my dad and trying to learn as much as I could, but going to school helped me learn at a faster pace and it also exposed me to newer technology and more techniques.” She notes, “It’s nice to be outside on nice days instead of being cooped up in an office. I’m always fixing a different problem at a different place and I never know what my day is going to bring. It’s nice to get to meet and talk with new people everyday.”