Engineering Graduate Vince Carter is multi-talented, combining precision in both engineering system design for Schmidt Associates’ K-12 clients and his hobby of juggling—something he has done since 2009 after watching a performance in a school talent show. That performance changed everything.

Teaching himself juggling through YouTube tutorials and finding inspiration by watching others, Vince has found a rewarding sport where he is always learning, creating, and finding new ways to entertain. Most recently, he competed in the 77th International Jugglers’ Association (IJA) Festival Championships in Green Bay, Wisconsin and placed 6th. Fresh off the competition stage, we chatted with Vince and learned how juggling and engineering intersect to create excitement and fun.

How did you know juggling would become your new “act?”

It kept being fun as I learned more tricks, so I just kept it up over time. Also, I discovered it could be a creative outlet inventing tricks and making a performance. It has stayed interesting and rewarding, so I have kept pursuing it, and I’m glad I have.

 Did you have anyone who coached or mentored you?

I didn’t have any coaching or guidance. I learned by doing, but Indianapolis used to have a juggling club that allowed you to chart your progress and find inspiration from others doing the same thing. Gradually, I started seeing growth, which made everything more worthwhile.

Are there others you have followed or gotten ideas from who led you where you are today?

Wes Peden is a good example of a juggler who has inspired me. I’ve also had the pleasure of meeting him. He is so technically skilled at juggling, and one of the great creative minds. He would make these long, detailed creative videos of his juggling featuring new tricks he came up with.

So, where are you finding your own creative ideas and how are you developing your routines?

I find inspiration from a variety of places. I will stumble upon music that I think would make a good act, or a new throw/catch that could become a trick, and build from there.

What is it about juggling that keeps you grounded?

It’s fun, involves a huge amount of creativity, and the learning part is never-ending. It’s always been thrilling, so I’ve kept at it. Juggling involves a lot of numbers and you’re measured on your number of catches, so seeing progress is immediate and easy.

Would you say that engineering and juggling have similarities?

In some ways, yes. Both require breaking something down and putting it back together, and like engineering, you must have a good eye with juggling. However, with both, I have understood the art of preparation, which is necessary for engineering work as well as performing.

How are you staying fresh and growing your sport?

I just finished competing in the IJA Championships, and during the festival, I taught a workshop on numbers notation that we call ‘siteswaps.’ This was invented 30 years ago to describe juggling patterns. One of the inventors attended my workshop. After it concluded, he told me he was impressed and that I taught it the same way he would have. That was really motivating and has me thinking I will continue teaching at other festivals. I will also work with anyone who has an interest in learning more.

As you look to the future, what’s next in your juggling career?

I would love to compete again and place in the top three someday. In the meantime, I will do performances in Indianapolis and other parts of the country.

As a firm that supports the creative endeavors of our employees, we cannot wait to see what Vince comes up with next.