Industry Ready, Day One
The Persistent Pursuit of the Next Giant Leap
Purdue Polytechnic is Purdue’s college of technology, connecting students, innovative learning, real-world experiences, and industry partnerships to prepare graduates for technology-driven careers.
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September 24, 2025
Purdue Polytechnic Columbus, 4444 Kelly Street, Columbus, IN 47203
Working directly with equipment and troubleshooting in lab settings gave me the confidence to handle real-life manufacturing conditions. At Purdue Polytechnic, t wasn’t just theory—we practiced what we learned, which made the transition into industry feel familiar and manageable."
The Department of Computer Graphics Technology prepared me by conducting hands-on courses where I would receive a key portfolio piece each semester. The department is also a major advocate for students to acquire jobs and internships – and an internship is what made me better qualified for my new position."
I have gained a solid foundation in construction principles and project management at Purdue, primarily though hands-on labs and assignments. Just as one example: when I was a new college student, it was so exciting to build the Boiler Shed alongside other students who have since become lifelong friends."
Purdue’s hands-on labs and structured courses helped me develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills specific to cybersecurity. Working with my lab partners pushed me to do my best, which gave me confidence when presenting myself to potential employers."
The School of Engineering Technology does a great job covering the wide range of jobs I could have gone into, including manufacturing, quality control, and even theory-based jobs. Nearly all of the recruiters I have talked to are ecstatic to learn about the hands-on experience I received."
Choosing the Purdue Polytechnic Institute created an amazing network of friends and peers that helped propel me to a successful career. The Polytechnic feels like a home away from home, and in this environment I have excelled."
Purdue Polytechnic provided me with a strong foundation in organizational leadership, equipping me with critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills for a dynamic business environment. The Polytechnic’s emphasis on experiential learning and real-world application helped me develop adaptability, collaboration, and leadership—skills that align with the Orr Fellowship’s focus on professional growth and impact-driven work."
Purdue Polytechnic provided me with numerous opportunities to hone my technical skills, from web development to video editing. My experiences in class and as an editor for the K-Pop club on campus (VariAsian) prepared me for my role. Professors like Esteban Garcia were also incredibly supportive, helping me balance my academic and personal responsibilities."
Intro to controls system and manufacturing system integration gave me my intro to controls systems and helped prepare to lead in the industry."
Purdue’s hands-on experience with large category aircraft, paired with the opportunity to work on the same aircraft used in the industry, uniquely prepared me for my future career. Professors like Dr. Ropp and Professor Barnes emphasized the importance of passion and precision, which has shaped my work ethic. My study abroad in Paris remains one of my most cherished experiences, sparking my love for culture and travel."
Purdue Polytechnic gave me hands-on labs, impactful courses, and mentors like Prof. Deadman who showed me how to think differently and truly prepare for the workforce. CNIT 34200 especially tied everything together and showed me how past and future knowledge connects in real-world ways."
The extensive amount of collaboration with my peers in the Polytechnic has given me the skills to communicate effectively and work well with other team members."
Purdue Polytechnic’s hands-on labs and exposure to real project workflows gave me the foundation I needed to succeed in marine construction. Experiences like my Ireland study abroad with Professor Jenkins helped broaden my perspective on global construction practices."
I am thankful for Dr. Levon Esters, Cathy Pullings, Toni Munguia and Benito Martinez. Purdue Polytechnic has made a promise to help students in any way they can. These people are just a few at the forefront of helping students find their success story, encouraging leadership, and awarding courage. "
By my sophomore year, I was completing labs with enterprise-grade networking equipment. The knowledge I gained in labs set me apart when applying for internships, which in turn helped me fill my resume with corporate experience before graduating from Purdue."
A huge part of the Purdue Polytechnic is the heavy emphasis of practical knowledge and giving students the opportunities to apply what they have learned in real world situations. Through Purdue, I was able to acquire an internship in games/simulation that set me up for success my senior year!"
With a curriculum geared toward application and hands-on experience, I was able to take several labs that gave me experience with things I will be exposed to in industry. Design Thinking in Technology and my senior capstone project incorporated real-life problem-solving applications, and team projects gave me the necessary communication and collaboration needed to thrive!"
I was asked during the interview about my hands-on experience, which set me apart from engineering majors. I explained how I had done labs that were hands-on, learning milling and other operations that I will do at my new job. Dr. Gaurav Nanda helped me a lot as a professor—he always answered my questions and made me feel comfortable asking anything."
Not only did I get valuable experience in CAD software during my time at Purdue Polytechnic, but I also learned how to take strategic and conceptual approaches to design."
I was prepared for my career even before I graduated, because my courses were tailored to the methods and strategies used in my industry."