Class of 2026
For Florida Polytechnic University electrical engineering major Josh Alletto ’26, earning his bachelor’s degree on May 9 will mark the culmination of four years of hard work and determination. The Chicago native parlayed his curiosity about how things work into a series of high-profile internships, a NASA program experience, and a post-graduation position as a power engineer at Northrop Grumman. After commencement, the first-generation college graduate will move to Florida’s Space Coast with his fiancee, Kailey Gibbons ’26, also an electrical engineering graduate who will begin her career with the same company.
Why did you choose your major?
Toward the end of high school, I knew the world was heading toward more autonomy, machines and computers, and I wanted to know where I fit in. I’ve always been fascinated by how things work, especially electronics, so I knew that electrical engineering was at the core of how almost everything around us works. Even something as simple as when I used to take apart a TV remote as a kid just to see what was inside of it – all of it connects back to electrical engineering.
What are your plans after graduation?
I recently accepted a position at Northrop Grumman as a power engineer for aircraft, and I can’t wait. While there’s not a lot I can say about what I’ll be doing, I’ve been working on getting my top-secret security clearance. I’ve always known I wanted to be hands-on, working on-site and seeing firsthand where things are made. I’m really excited to see my work get out there and not just be behind a laptop.
What are your long-term career goals?
I want to be a senior engineer in the defense industry because that would open so many possibilities. I could work on aircraft, spaceships, tanks, laser weapons, submarines – anything. If you’re a senior engineer in defense, you can go almost anywhere.
What does earning your degree mean to you?
It means everything because I’m a first-generation college student. Most of my family is still back in Chicago, where everyone has worked blue-collar jobs. To be the first to not only go to college, but have a great job lined up feels awesome. My family’s dream has been to move to Florida, and I would like to help make that happen for them.
What did you enjoy most about your time at Florida Poly?
Definitely the people. I didn’t have a lot of super close friends in high school, but I found people here who are like me. I’m not really a partier and don’t go out a lot; I like staying in and hanging out with friends. It’s been cool meeting people who feel the same way. We love building new things and talking about new technologies and robotics. I always have something in common with other students.
What advice do you have for new students?
Look for internships early and often. There are a lot of people who like to enjoy their summers, which is great, but you can have fun and have an internship or work experience at the same time. I’ve done it. You need to do things in your field to build experience you can show when it’s time to apply for a job, and summer is the perfect time to do that.
Editor’s note: This story is part of a series of Q&As featuring Florida Poly Class of 2026 graduates.
Contact:
Lydia Guzmán
Director of Communications
863-874-8557
