Kannon Ferestad working on an engine

Kannon Ferestad

Kannon Ferestad, a Bachelor of Diesel Technology student at MSU-Northern, first heard about the university’s program through a visit by MSUN faculty to his high school in Scobey, Montana. He initially planned to attend Northern to gain expertise in working on farm equipment, preparing for a future managing the family farm. However, his time at MSU-Northern introduced him to Wartsila, a company in the marine industry, which shifted his interests in a new direction.

During the summer, Kannon landed a co-op with Wartsila, working out of Fort Lauderdale, Florida. In the workshop, he overhauled engine components, diving deep into the mechanics of diesel engines. His role also took him to the Bahamas and Tampa, where he worked on tug boats, overhauling engines and gaining valuable hands-on field service experience.

Beyond technical skills, Kannon was exposed to different cultures, which added a unique dimension to his summer learning. The experience cemented his admiration for Wartsila, both for the quality of the work and the people he met along the way.

Upon graduation, Kannon has already signed on full-time with Wartsila. Working remotely from Scobey, he will fly to jobs when needed, enjoying a perfect balance between his career in the marine industry and managing the family farm—a dual lifestyle that offers him the best of both worlds.

Find out more about the MSUN Diesel Technology program!