Student Experience: Philip Gutierrez

“I always played with Legos and in high school, I decided I wanted to be a mechanical engineer. The good thing about Richland’s program is that it has hands-on experience you just can’t get anywhere else. 

“I love AutoCad; I’ve always thought mechanically in 3-D space, and I enjoy designing parts that come to life on the computer screen. With AutoCad, you can build whatever you want — it may be a $3,000 part and you can design it without having to build it physically. 

“Other students who have come from other programs and community colleges just don’t have anywhere near the same level of experience I’ve gotten at Richland. This program is just solid.” 

Philip Gutierrez earned an associate degree in Engineering Technology-Computer Aided Design at Richland in May 2011. He plans to earn a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering at the University of Texas at Dallas and seek work as a draftsman/mechanical engineer.


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Ibrahim Taleb

Ibrahim Taleb

Game Design student Richland
“Every professor in this program can really talk about the software we’re learning. I wouldn’t be so interested in my classes if they weren’t so good”
Interactive Simulation and Game Technology (Game Design)
Gabriel Holzapfel

Gabriel Holzapfel

Eagle Top Gaming
“With a professional and direct attitude, I can lead and direct teams in software and game design or serve as a self-reliant member of the production team. Trained in Game design and production art, I can serve and accomplish a variety of tasks as production progresses and different skills are needed.”
Interactive Simulation and Game Technology (Game Design)
Ethan Brackin

Ethan Brackin

3D Studio Owner
“I chose this program for the strength of the program of classes. The class structure was much more focused on specific skill sets, lending more experience to a particular field of choice, which for me was 3D modeling and 3D sculpture. I was able to strengthen my drawing skills, which enabled me to realize my concepts better.”
Interactive Simulation and Game Technology (Game Design)
Eskinder Girma

Eskinder Girma

Concept Artist
“Eskinder’s been enthusiastic about visual art and entertainment design all his life, which has led to him working as a freelance artist on both traditional and digital mediums. Now he is studying in the Interactive and Game Simulation Program.”
Interactive Simulation and Game Technology (Game Design)
Philip Gutierrez
Philip Gutierrez
Transfer student and hopeful future mechanical engineer

Mechanical Engineering
School of Engineering, Technology, Mathematics and Sciences
Updated September 4, 2026