Mason Goebel, a 10th grade homeschool student from Glenwood, Minnesota and the creative mind and talent behind the winning entry in the 2025 Minnesota Manufactured Student Video Contest, is proof that modern manufacturing is about much more than assembly lines. Mason took home the $750 top prize by brilliantly showcasing the innovation and high-tech career paths available in the industry. 

We recently caught up with Mason to learn more about his passion for the field and how he brought his winning vision to life. 

See Mason’s video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cEMPoi5cA2Y

 

 

Finding the Spark and Designing the Future 

Mason was initially inspired to enter the contest when his dad, who works at GCI (a company that makes custom manipulator and torque arms), told him about it. This family connection turned into hands-on experience: Mason has interned at GCI for the past two summers. 

“I always thought that the arms they made were so cool, and the process of creating those arms was fascinating,” Mason shared. “During my internships, I became proficient in Autodesk Inventor, a professional CAD software, which I also used for our local FIRST Robotics team. It was a very busy time, so I had to learn quickly and not make mistakes.” 

The Winning Message: Manufacturing is for Everyone 

Mason’s video stood out for its clear, powerful message: “Manufacturing is all around us.” 

He wanted to dispel the biggest misconception he encounters—that the field is limited to just a few things. 

“So many different career opportunities exist in manufacturing. It truly is a career for everyone, even as your first job!” Mason emphasized. “Pretty much anything you think of was at least partly created with manufacturing, and there’s almost always something for everyone, just because the field is so broad.” 

Impact and Next Steps 

Seeing the success of his hard work made the contest victory particularly rewarding. “The more work you put into something, the more satisfying it is to see it succeed,” Mason noted. 

Mason immediately put his prize winnings toward his future, purchasing a Bambu P1S 3D printer with plans to sell his own designs. Looking ahead, he plans to double major in Computer Engineering and Electrical Engineering, a path he discovered through hands-on experimentation. As he explains, Electrical Engineering is essential in manufacturing for “designing, building and testing equipment that is electric or computerized.” 

Advice for Aspiring Students 

For students curious about manufacturing, Mason has one key piece of advice: “Go and see.” 

“Don’t be afraid to go and see local manufacturing facilities. Most local businesses are happy to let a student job shadow someone, and maybe even offer summer internships,” he advises. “Get hands-on experience doing it, interacting with the physical parts and pieces. Also, getting involved with clubs that interest you, such as CAD design and FIRST Robotics, is very valuable.” 

Now It’s Your Turn: The 2026 Video Contest is Open! 

Inspired by Mason’s success? The 2026 Minnesota Manufactured Student Video Contest is officially open! 

This is your chance to showcase your talent, explore the future of manufacturing, and win a cash prize. Get creative and show us what modern manufacturing looks like today! 

Deadline: January 31st, 2026  

Send Entries to: mnmfg@minnstate.edu  

Learn More: https://www.mnmfg.org/videocontest/.