The Engineering Experience

                Before moving into Earhart hall my freshmen year, I did not know what college would look like or where these next four years would take me. But the one thing I did know was that I was ready for both the highs and lows of this new journey. Looking back now, after four of the most challenging and rewarding years of my life, I can confidently say I would not change a thing about my Purdue story. Megan Tandarich, Mechanical Engineering Spring 2020 Graduate Coming to Purdue             Growing up in a small town on the east coast, the idea of moving to the Midwest, away from my family was daunting at times. I did not know what to expect nor what I wanted to do with an engineering degree. All I knew was that growing up everyone told me I was good at math and science so I should pursue a degree in engineering. On top of not knowing what I wanted to do with my future, the thought of having to start all over and make new friends was terrifying. I had grown up with the

Founder & CEO of Inuitap Medical, Jessica Traver Ingram I showed up on Purdue’s campus on a very hot and humid August morning in 2009, not having the slightest idea of what the next few years were going to entail. I knew they would be challenging and that I was headed on an adventure that would determine the path of my future, but I don’t think I really understood the extent to which those two statements would be true. Engineering is hard. It’s extremely hard. I’m pretty sure you know that by now, but in the off chance someone has told you differently, I wanted to get that out there. I don’t know a single person who has been through Purdue’s engineering program that thought that it was easy. I still consider graduating from Mechanical Engineering to be one of the hardest things I have accomplished thus far in my life (and I started a medtech company at the age of 25). But, that is why Purdue engineers graduate and do so well in the world. We have been prepared to deal

               When I look back on my time at Purdue, I am filled with gratitude. Throughout my four years there, I made so many great memories, learned countless lessons, and formed lifelong friendships. From the long nights spent studying with my friends to the 6 months I studied abroad in Australia, I am beyond grateful for all the experiences Purdue gave me. I was able to be a part of so many great organizations (like WIEP!), and I urge current students to take advantage of all opportunities to be involved on campus. Me with 4 other Purdue analysts at training in Dallas, Texas during our summer internship with Deloitte Consulting                I graduated in December 2018 with a degree in Industrial Engineering. I was given the option to start my job in either February 2019 or July 2019. I decided to start in July and spent the 6 months traveling, spending time with family, and studying for the GMAT. I highly recommend all graduates take a short (or long) break between graduating