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PURDUE POLYTECHNIC
Hands-on learning, including industry-sponsored class projects and experiential learning — enhanced by a community of doers, makers, and problem-solvers.
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The labs I participated in allowed me to apply what I learned in real time, which was an invaluable experience. Purdue also gave resources that have greatly expanded my professional network, and those relationships are something you can’t put a price tag on."
Any flight school can teach a student how to fly, but the soft skills learned through the various courses offered within this degree has set me up to excel further than any other track I may have chosen to reach the airlines. Purdue does not train “normal” pilots — it trains professional aviators that shape the future of our industry."
Purdue Polytechnic’s hands-on learning and emphasis on collaboration helped me build the skills I need for consulting. The cybersecurity labs, combined with courses like Cyber Law and Ethics and Incident Response Management, have given me both the technical and communications skills to identify risks and help clients improve their security posture. My favorite experience was learning social engineering tactics in Professor Ringenberg’s class, which gave me a real-world perspective on cybersecurity."
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."
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! "
My program provided me with a holistic view of the industry, not only strengthening my technical skill, but also paying attention to non-technical aspects such as policy and regulation."
Purdue Polytechnic provided me with the determination and technical knowledge that helped me impress my employer. My professors believed in me, and I have been able to serve in groups such as the board of Women in Cybersecurity at Purdue in addition to becoming a published researcher.”"
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."
Thanks to my major, I have the ability to be a resource for my employer as they switch from an older system to a new software that turns out to have been a core part of my curriculum at Purdue."
In Polytechnic’s CIT Department, the plethora of resources available to us allowed me to have exposure and gain experience ... [with] hardware and software that, by itself, would cost way more than our tuition. My academic advisor, Lauren Lucas, [was] also the best I could ask for."
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."
Purdue Polytechnic has many student organizations that helped me grow personally and professionally throughout all four years here, like Polytechnic student ambassadors, Women in Technology, Boiler Gold Rush, Minority Technology Association, BoilerMentor, and more."
My favorite class was cyber criminology with Dr. Kate, because I found the material so interesting. I could see myself focusing more on that in the future."
My study abroad experience in Costa Rica helped me develop adaptability, problem-solving skills and a global perspective, all of which are valuable in my new role. Professor Sudip Vhaduri supported me by offering the chance to work as a teaching assistant for the Database Fundamentals class, strengthening my technical skills and confidence."
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 always intimidated by statistics, but the faculty made it very approachable and I apply many of those concepts to my job. For the same reason, I also appreciated the focus on international relations—the study abroad trip with James Tanoos was an amazing experience I’ll always remember."
In my interviews, it was so easy to think of examples where I had not only learned about a topic, but had implemented a complex project with a diverse group of students that highlighted the skill-sets companies were looking for alongside my project management abilities. I wouldn’t trade the past four years for anything in the world."
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."
I was able to take classes within my major and outside of my major, making me very well-rounded and prepared in the field of technology. I was constantly challenged, but I learned something new every day."
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."
