Hands-on learning, including industry-sponsored class projects and experiential learning — enhanced by a community of doers, makers, and problem-solvers.
(noun) 21st century: An academic college at a world-class university that uses innovative learning methods, real-world experiences, and industry partnerships to produce graduates uniquely qualified for technology-driven careers.
Purdue Polytechnic Columbus gave me hands-on experience in areas like server environments, cybersecurity and database implementation. The support from professors like Melissa Casner and Dewey Swanson helped build my confidence and skills, especially as someone starting with less experience. Their encouragement pushed me to lead, collaborate and find my voice in IT."
Purdue Polytechnic’s advisors, and particularly Lafayette’s director Sindie Ballotti played a big role in designing my courses and answering almost every question that I had during my time at Purdue Polytechnic. Special thanks to James Maley—I loved his courses, and how they were set up.”"
The NROTC program at Purdue prepared me to take on leadership roles and set me on a path to becoming a Naval Officer. Professors like Don Barnes and Corben Meyer inspired me to pursue my dreams and gave me the support I needed to reach them."
Internship and study abroad opportunities, hands-on lab experiences, independent and team projects, leadership events, mentorship opportunities with Women in Technology and the School of Engineering Technology – all of these opportunities have made me feel like a well-rounded candidate for my upcoming job."
Interacting with other students in group activities helped simulate real teamwork situations you may face at work. My instructors did a great job relating lessons to real work experiences; I gained the knowledge as well as the confidence needed to be successful in my career."
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 Experience Studio was the most impactful part of my Purdue journey. Working on five different real-world projects with company sponsors gave me the practical skills and confidence I needed to succeed. I brought up that class in every internship and job interview—it shaped how I work, lead, and collaborate."
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."
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."
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!"
My favorite professor was Dawn Laux. As a young woman in a technology field, it felt amazing to have a female professor who helped me further understand the world of technology."
Purdue Polytechnic’s hands-on lab work and high-quality problem-solving assignments and experiences help us to truly put what we learn into practice. We are able to freely collaborate with our peers and ask for guidance from our professors, which prepares us to face real industrial challenges. The student population has made me realize how incredibly unique each and every one of us is."
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 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 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."
All of my hands-on classes and the opportunity to learn intuitively have set me apart from other job candidates."
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’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."
Tech 101, Women in Technology, shaped my college experience and gave me a support system where I could connect with others that were like me."
In my time here, I was tested not only on how to understand certain information, but also to ask the right questions."