Graduate Spotlight: Eldin Abdulahu

At just 19 years old, Eldin Abdulahu is already making remarkable progress in his career. Abdulahu’s solid foundation in technology, hands-on experience, and ambition are guiding his journey from Hamilton County Schools graduate to aspiring engineer. These skills have earned Abdulahu an internship with McKee Foods, a family-owned manufacturer behind the brands Little Debbie, Drake’s Cakes, and more.

Abdulahu attributes his high school experiences for paving his journey to success. During his four years, he attended Ooltewah High School, Harrison Bay Future Ready Center, and the Volkswagen Academy– each providing valuable knowledge and skills that have prepared him for his future. At Ooltewah High School, Abdulahu notes general education and psychology classes that taught him soft skills such as interacting with others or presenting oneself in professional settings. At Harrison Bay, he studied AutoCAD, Principles of Manufacturing, Computer Science, and other engineering courses. The Volkswagen Academy provided Abdulahu knowledge in industrial safety, engineering design, math for engineers, and more. His coursework included hands-on and simulated real-world projects such as designing blueprints for hurricane shelters. “The teachers have a lot of faith in their students. I could tell they really wanted us to be successful in whatever we did,” Abdulahu said. After graduating, Abdulahu was equipped with the knowledge, precision, and attention to detail necessary for his current role.

As an intern at McKee Foods, Abdulahu maintains and troubleshoots machines – combining hands-on work and computer programming to make repairs. Abdulahu credits much of his success to his time at Ooltewah High, Harrison Bay, and the Volkswagen Academy, where he acquired industry-relevant skills and established relationships with mentors who encouraged his growth. Jeffrey Carson, Maintenance Superintendent and Abdulahu’s supervisor at McKee Foods, praises Abdulahu for his technical skills and strong work ethic. “When I first met him, you could tell he paid attention in class,” Carson said. “It was a combination of his knowledge and personality. From day one, he wanted to be involved. He really wants to learn. That’s the biggest stand out thing about him, not only his knowledge, but the fact that he wants to do the work.”

Looking ahead, Abdulahu plans to earn a degree in Mechatronics Engineering and pursue a career as an engineer. His advice to other students: “Take initiative, get involved, ask questions, and don’t be afraid to try something new or different. You don’t have to wait for someone to hold your hand and guide you– if you’re interested, go after it.”

Abdulahu's determination, practical experience, and willingness to learn have already set him on a path toward success. His story shows the value of taking advantage of specialized educational pathways and internships in Hamilton County Schools that provide real-world experience, effectively preparing students for the careers of tomorrow.