The Engineering Experience

As a graduating senior looking back on my four years here at Purdue University, I have gathered some pieces of wisdom that I want to share with the incoming class. I have been so thankful for my time here, and I truly believe that I have grown into a happier, healthier, and more capable version of myself. If you are looking to have a fulfilling college experience, I hope you keep these points in mind. Isa's first day on Purdue's campus Put Yourself Out There! As cliché as it sounds, this might be one of the most important aspects of college. You have four years to try new things and meet new people. During orientation week, the B-Involved fair is held on the intramural fields where rows of information can be found on the different student organizations here on campus. I highly recommend you check out some clubs, and maybe even attend some callouts! Joining clubs is a great way to build a community throughout your first semester on campus. There are also some major-specif...

Here’s how the story goes: I loved school and enjoyed every second I was in the classroom. Higher education was the obvious next step for me! The only problem? I had no idea where I actually wanted to go to college. I knew a career in STEM was part of my vague plan for my future, but what in STEM exactly was the hard part to figure out. There are so many options out there, and finding the perfect fit may be intimidating. In high school, I was good at the “typical engineer” classes, such as math, physics, and technological settings. I thought for a long time that this wasn’t enough justification to pursue engineering as a career. However, one of my teachers at the time prompted me to consider career paths outside the box – particularly how engineering combines my passion for motorsports and my love of innovation. Once I started looking into what an engineer in motorsports does, I realized that I had found a pathway perfect for me.      The most important quality I wanted i...

Dear Recent High School Graduate, Saying the last four years have flown by is an understatement. It feels like just yesterday I was starting this journey, arriving on campus for the first time, nervous of the unknown yet excited about what the future held for me. Yet just four days ago, I walked across the stage at Elliot and received my bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, ending my undergraduate journey, and preparing to start a new chapter of my life. Once again, I find myself nervous yet excited as I start this new chapter of my life, similar to where I was four years ago. I won’t lie to you: I delayed writing this blog. Not because I did not want to or did not know what I wanted to say, but because writing this blog meant that I had to admit that this incredible chapter of my life was over. Purdue has truly become a second home to me over the years, and I would not trade this experience for the world. Before you come to campus and get your chance at living your own versi...

In high school and college there is so much going on, and it can be a busy and stressful experience at times. As college students who have been through similar experiences, here are some things we wish we could tell our high school selves to help them through the stressful times and make the most of their academic careers. "If I could go back in time and change anything about my high school and early college experience, I would join more clubs and get more involved in student activities. I was very focused on academics in high school and spent sparse time participating in events at my school. Although it is important to spend time focusing on academics, especially in college, it is just as important to make time for clubs, sports and other activities that serve as a creative and social outlet. When I started joining new clubs in college, it completely changed my experience for the better. I met so many new people and found new activities to enjoy." Madison Meunier ChE ‘27    ...

          Starting college is an exciting but overwhelming experience, especially in a challenging field like engineering. There’s so much to learn- not just in the classroom but about navigating college life, finding community, and balancing everything that comes with being a student. Looking back, many of us realize there are things we wish we had known before stepping onto campus for the first time.      To help you, a future  Purdue  student, I asked a few women in engineering here at Purdue to share their insights. From managing tough coursework to finding a support system, their advice highlights the lessons they’ve learned along the way. Jiya First Year Engineering     One thing I wish I knew before co ming to Purdue is how much freedom and time there is to take classes outside of your major. Depending on how you want your college career to go you can add on minors and even take classes that you find interesting tot...