Our First Year Experience at Purdue

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Engineer Beginnings: Grace Fuller

When I first started my freshman year at Purdue, I was excited and overwhelmed. I had a packed class schedule and didn’t really know what to expect. All I knew was that it wasn’t going to be easy.

During the First-Year Engineering (FYE) program, I took a variety of classes including Chemistry, Physics, Calculus, English, and Transforming Ideas to Innovation courses (ENGR 131 and 132). All of these topics may seem intimidating at first, but Purdue provides a strong community of support that helps you succeed- through professors, TAs, SI leaders, peers, and student organizations.

What I Learned Outside the Classroom

You will learn a lot of topics through a textbook, but some of the most valuable lessons happen outside of the classroom.

I learned how to manage my time when every class needed my full attention. I figured out how to build a routine that worked for me that balanced academics, student organizations, and personal time. Something I still remind myself to do today is to focus on my assignments so that I can have free time to hang out with friends, go on a run, or just take a break from school. I also got better at working in teams, communicating ideas clearly, and solving problems creatively.

Finding My Path

Most importantly, in my opinion, the First-Year Engineering (FYE) program gave me the chance to explore different areas of engineering. It helped me figure out what kind of engineer I wanted to be. Through my coursework and projects, I discovered an interest in how engineering could involve healthcare and biology- which led me to choose Biomedical Engineering as my major.

But, if you are in FYE and still unsure which discipline you want to go into, that is okay. You are not expected to have it all figured out right away. One of the best parts of the FYE program is that it gives you the opportunity to explore different fields before committing. I gained the most insight from my professors and peers to help figure out my interests.

Looking Back

Now, looking back as a sophomore in Biomedical Engineering, I can confidently say that the First-Year Engineering (FYE) experience was challenging but it gave me a strong foundation not only for my major but for engineering in general. It taught me skills I will carry with me throughout my time at Purdue and beyond.

Whether you are set on a field of engineering or still trying to figure it out, the First-Year Engineering program is the place where you will grow, learn, and shape your future.

Engineer Beginnings: Saanvi Mahesh

Starting First Year Engineering at Purdue was one of the most exciting times of my life. As a high school senior, I still did not know whether I wanted to pursue the premed track while majoring in engineering or commit to being an engineer and work in the pharmaceutical space. While I wish I seriously reflected on whether I wanted to be an engineer or a doctor before I started applying to college, I had faith that Purdue's unique FYE program would help make my decision a little easier.

And it did! Through my engineering classes, EYM (Engineering Your Major) events, and interactions with my peers, I came to love the collaborative culture of Purdue engineering, as well as the satisfaction of problem-solving. I realized that I wanted to be more involved in the behind-the-scenes of healthcare, innovating to bring lifesaving medicine to patients by optimizing processes and producing effective and safe medicines. This fall, I ended up joining chemical engineering. I am currently learning about modeling processes as well as how chemical engineers can join a variety of industries outside of the pharmaceutical industry, such as sustainability, consumer goods, etc. I love what I am learning, and I appreciated how FYE’s challenging, but rewarding structure made me confident in my career and major choice.

Beyond the Classroom

Joining a lot of clubs during your first year of engineering helped me in so many ways! I was able to get hands-on engineering experience, meet new people, and even try out hobbies that I was not able to try in high school (like longboarding!). The Women in Engineering Program’s Mentors & Mentees program as well as the Recruitment Project Committee are amazing opportunities to meet upperclassmen in engineering, while doing fun projects like making blog posts or even attending social events. Joining engineering-related extracurriculars allows you to apply your skills to real world projects, get leadership positions, and overall look impressive to internship recruiters!

I would also recommend going to the career fair and co-op fair as a first-year student. A co-op is similar to an internship in terms of getting engineering experience, except it usually spans many terms during your undergraduate degree and is longer than a typical summer internship. It gives you the chance to practice your elevator pitch, talk to recruiters, and potentially interview for internships for the next summer! Additionally, co-op recruiters are more likely to hire freshmen and sophomores, so they get the chance to do 3 to 5 rotations with them by the time they graduate. Going to these fairs during my freshman year set me up for success this year at IR, as I felt more confident and prepared for networking and interviews.

I believe the First-Year-Engineering program gives students so many valuable opportunities to explore their interests, network with professionals, and develop a strong engineering foundation to succeed in their future classes and career!

Grace Fuller, BME '28 & Saanvi Mahesh, ChE '28

Recruitment Project Committee

 

Stay Connected With Purdue WiE Program! 

Facebook: Purdue Women in Engineering 

Instagram: @purdue.wie 

Blog: purduewiep.blogspot.com 

Email: welink@purdue.edu 

YouTube: Purdue Women in Engineering Program - YouTube 


Purdue Women in Engineering

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