The Engineering Experience

As a girl from Texas, I definitely had to adjust to living out of state. I traded year-round sunshine for snow, self-cooked meals for dining halls, and the ease of being home for new residential halls. However, as much as it felt like a big leap, it is one I would take again in a heartbeat. Over time, I have learned that living out of state is not just about adapting to new weather, but it is about finding community, discovering yourself, and realizing how Purdue can truly become your home away from home. Socially When I first arrived at Purdue, I was scared that I would feel homesick or lonely, but that fear did not last. Purdue makes it really easy to get involved and meet people who share your interests. One of the best choices I made was joining the Women in Engineering (WiE) Learning Community, as it gave me an instant community of friends who understood what it was like to start college in a new environment. This learning community really made me feel like I belonged at Purdue, o...

Internships, Co-ops, Career Fairs, and More! Did you know that Purdue is home to the largest student-run career fair in the country? Industrial Roundtable, typically held in September right in the middle of Purdue’s campus, includes over 400+ employers and 15,000+ students every year! So, why should you go? Career fairs like Industrial Roundtable are a great opportunity to network and put your name in for internships, co-ops, or even full-time jobs! Internships, co-ops, and even research opportunities are a great way to get work experience before graduation and boost your resume. Taking advantage of all the opportunities Purdue has to offer can help you make the most out of your experience in undergrad and gather the tools you need for your next chapter after graduation! Internships An internship is usually a 12-week industry experience that happens in the summer, where students can network with professionals, and apply their knowledge from classes to real world problems and projects. ...

When deciding on colleges, having access to study abroad experiences was important to me. Purdue offers ample opportunities to study abroad, so along with all the other reasons I loved Purdue, I knew it was the right school for me. By the time I graduate, I will have participated in at least three Purdue study abroad programs, and I want to take a moment to reflect on and share my experiences and takeaways while also highlighting everything Purdue has to offer. Some of my time abroad has counted toward my minor, and others toward class credit, but I truly couldn’t speak more highly about any of my experiences. GEARE I am earning a min or in Global Engineering Studies through the Global Engineering Alliance for Research and Education (GEARE). To complete this program, students must take 12 credits of foreign language courses, complete both a domestic internship and an internship or research experience abroad, study abroad for a semester, and participate in a global design team project. ...