The Engineering Experience

When I first came to Purdue University, I had heard about the Purdue Industrial Roundtable (IR) online, but I didn't really know what to expect or how impactful it could be. If you are new to Purdue or just want to know more about IR, here are some things I learned along the way. What is IR like? IR is one of the largest student-run career fairs in the country, with hundreds of companies and thousands of students attending. It is located at Memorial Mall and includes two days of in-person networking, followed by a virtual career fair component. At first, it can feel overwhelming. Lines are long, conversations can seem intimidating, and it’s easy to worry about whether you’re prepared enough- but everyone is in the same position and there for the same reason: to connect, learn, and explore opportunities. Tips for Incoming Freshmen: 1. Have a Strong Resume Ready Before IR, make sure that your resume is strong. Even if you don’t have a lot of experience yet, how you present your skil...

Thanksgiving is the perfect time to pause and reflect on the many blessings in our lives. Being a student at Purdue University, I’m overwhelmed with gratitude for the opportunities, experiences, and communities that have made my time here so far unforgettable. Here are just a few of the things that make Purdue so special and why I’m so thankful to call this place home. Learning Communities Starting college can be overwhelming, but Purdue’s learning communities make the transition so much easier. These groups connect students who share similar academic interests or hobbies, creating friendships and collaboration from the very beginning. Joining this helped me find my first circle of friends providing a sense of community when everything else felt so new. In the Women in Engineering Learning Community, I found a support system of peers who shared my passions and challenges. Having these connections gave me the confidence to get through my first year. Along with this, I had the opportunit...

What is Industrial Roundtable? Purdue University offers many opportunities for students to look for internships, co-ops, and research positions. From career fairs to research symposiums, there are endless opportunities for the eager student. One of these opportunities is Industrial Roundtable (IR) - the largest engineering career fair at Purdue, and arguably one of the best career fairs in the nation. With over 400 companies and nearly 15,000 students attending, every year students look forward to practicing their interview skills, perfecting their résumés, and preparing their best interview outfits for IR. Industrial Roundtable is hosted at Memorial Mall in West Lafayette. This year the fair will happen on September 10th and 11th from 9 AM to 4 PM, and it will also be held virtually on the 12th from 10 AM to 4 PM. To participate, all you need to do is prepare your best career fair outfit, print out a couple résumés, and show up to the career fair and look for your favorite companies t...