LEADERSHIP & TECHNOLOGY 
MANAGEMENT MAJORS

Purdue’s HRD program accelerated my personal and academic growth through small classes and close faculty connections. Exposure to law sparked my path to law school and a career in data privacy, helping me discover a passion that led to my current role."

The Polytechnic provided me with so many opportunities to dive into the real-life applications of the theory we discussed in lectures. These experiences led to internships, and the internships led to job opportunities!"

If it hadn't been for Purdue and the DCI major, I wouldn't have found a love and passion for 3D modeling and construction. My internship hours made me uniquely qualified; in all of my interviews, I have talked about my past internships, the software I’ve used, and how it made me prepared for the job."

I entered Purdue as an undecided major and found my path through the HRD program. Through coursework and an internship, I gained a clear understanding of HR roles and expectations, building a strong foundation for my current role as an HR Representative."

Purdue’s emphasis on technology-driven leadership and adaptability helped me develop a forward-thinking approach, making me uniquely qualified for my new role. The combination of technical knowledge, leadership principles and practical application set me apart and positioned me for success."

Purdue’s HRD program built my foundation in labor law, organizational behavior, and strategic talent management, while exposing me to emerging HR technologies. This preparation has been invaluable in my roles at Amazon and Angi, where I drive impactful HR initiatives."

Purdue Polytechnic fostered a learn-by-doing approach which gave me the tools I needed to find my start within the aviation industry. I had the opportunity to lead one of the largest entirely student-driven events on campus, Purdue Aviation Day, in 2022 and 2023. This event taught me the value of teamwork, leadership and innovation. For that, I am ever grateful."

My time at Purdue gave me valuable real-world industry exposure through internships and interaction with aviation professions. My experiences gave me a better understanding of the working environment, and prepared me for the fast-paced, collaborative nature of the profession. "

My professors, advisors and administrative staff were there to help me with any questions I had. They always made me feel welcome and even helped me navigate the world of interviews and job offers!
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Purdue Polytechnic gave me the technical knowledge and adaptability I need in a changing HR field. The support from so many mentors among both faculty and staff helped me grow into a stronger leader and professional."

Through Purdue’s HRD program, I gained hands-on skills in interviewing, HR laws, and applying HR concepts in real-world settings. Most importantly, the program built a strong foundation in understanding people, performance, and organizational growth that I use throughout my career."

The Purdue HRD program helped me discover my career path and prepared me with a strong foundation in HR, leadership, and business. I’m grateful for the professors, peers, and experiences that shaped my direction and future."

My Purdue HRD degree shaped my career as an HR Business Partner at Anheuser-Busch, building strategic thinking, adaptability, and collaboration skills. The blend of HR, business, and technical coursework—plus hands-on learning—prepared me to drive impact in fast-paced, technical environments."

What makes Purdue unique is that it pushes students to think practically while also preparing them to communicate professionally and lead in fast-paced environments. The faculty challenged me to think critically, work collaboratively, and hold myself to a high standard. On top of this, my professors helped connect classroom learning to the real construction industry."

Not everyone comes into this major with preexisting construction experience, and you gain that knowledge through labs and internships that serve as preparation for a variety of trades. I enjoyed the times when industry professionals came to our courses, and they provided many unforgettable lessons."

I feel that the School of Aviation and Transportation technology equipped me with the knowledge to succeed in my job. Special thanks are also due to the Aviation Technology Student Council—joining them as a freshman gave me the opportunity to become a leader in my own way."

Purdue Polytechnic gave me real, hands-on exposure to the construction industry from day one. Courses like CM 150 and 450 helped me understand what actually happens on a jobsite, while electives in sales and entrepreneurship strengthened my communication skills and business mindset—both of which will help me succeed in client-focused project roles."

At Purdue Polytechnic, my favorite professor was Dr. Mesut Akdere. He was extremely responsible and truly cared about his students’ success. I especially enjoyed his Human Resource Capstone class because it wasn’t just about theory. We were encouraged to think critically, work through real problems, and connect what we learned to actual HR practices."

In my time here, I was tested not only on how to understand certain information, but also to ask the right questions."

Purdue’s HR program prepared me for success—faculty support led to a Fortune 500 internship and my first full-time role, while the curriculum helped me pass my certification exam. Courses like Compensation and Employment Law built skills I use daily as a People Partner."

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."

Purdue University is nationally recognized; my new employer is committed to hiring Purdue students because of our work ethic and academic rigor."

Purdue and the Polytechnic gave me all the resources I needed to stand on my own two feet and be confident in myself. All of my favorite projects gave me real-world experience and feedback from industry professionals. They pushed me past my comfort zone, and from that I’ve been able to grow into a man that is ready to enter the workforce."

Purdue gave me a solid foundation in construction management and the chance to apply what I learned through internships. Courses like Construction Materials and Methods and the Capstone project gave me real-world skills, while mentors like Toni Munguia and Danny Wyman helped me grow into a confident and capable professional."

Purdue Polytechnic gave me a wide range of skills, and the confidence to apply them in different situations. I gained experience with technology, communications, teamwork and problem-solving, all of which prepared me to be adaptable. Purdue emphasized learning by doing, which strengthened my ability to take initiative, think critically and more."

Purdue Polytechnic provided me with the experience I needed to succeed, and inspired me to pursue unorthodox opportunities. Harley Barta, my department’s student success coordinator, has been especially important to me. She is a mentor, a challenger, an advocate and a lifelong friend."

My Purdue HRD experience built a strong foundation in how people and organizations connect. Hands-on projects and real-world cases developed practical HR skills in areas like employee relations, training, and benefits, helping me grow into a strategic, confident HR professional."

Purdue Polytechnic helped me build a strong foundation in applying technology to real-world challenges. The learning was hands-on and the faculty was extremely supportive. Although I only had him for one class, Dr. Bitt has been a consistent mentor, and an excellent example of how the Polytechnic supports students and helps them find opportunities. "

This degree prepared me for the industry, and there have been so many professors and individuals who have helped me achieve my goals. All of Construction Management’s staff, faculty, and support have made this happen for me!"

Purdue's HRD program provided a comprehensive understanding of every aspect of Human Resources and emphasized its significance in the workplace. It was instrumental in helping me articulate why HR deserves a seat at the executive table."

By having such a hands-on experience, I was able to show what I learned and how I could apply it in my job. The countless projects, team experiences, and the well-rounded education I had helped to showcase how qualified I am for the job."

The HRD program was carefully crafted to prepare graduates like me for all facets of the HR career field, and the subject matter was relevant to real-world working scenarios. I am excited to see this program produce more successful HR professionals in the future."

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."

I would like to thank Toni Munguia, Harley Barta and Clark Cory, who all served as incredible mentors to me. Professors Luciana Debs and Bryan Hubbard also brought in so many real-world design examples that pushed me to grow and enhanced my understanding."

The Purdue name helped me extend my reach when applying to jobs. Companies recognize Purdue as a leader in education, producing skilled individuals. Through hands-on learning and industry professional access, I knew these experiences would set me apart and make me uniquely qualified for my new job."

Purdue Polytechnic had the classes and diverse range of perspectives that challenged my ways of thinking and gave me opportunities to apply that knowledge. I was able to study abroad and learn cultural perspectives, plus I had professors from all over the world, many of whom are industry leaders in their area of teaching."

Purdue’s HRD program gave me a strong blend of people-focused and technology-driven skills. Applied learning and internships shaped my path into the tech industry, and today as a project manager at Cisco, I use those principles to develop teams and drive innovation."

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."