What made you decide to choose your specific major?
I chose Mechanical Engineering Technology because of the applied learning. I enjoy learning through hands-on work and have always had a passion for STEM and realized Engineering Technology was the best way for me to gain the knowledge and complete the education I wanted. I am also a Degree+ student in Digital Criminology which allows me to follow my criminology interest through both Computer Information Technology courses and Sociology.
What are a couple of your favorite things about your program of study?
My favorite thing about MET is the labs that are associated with most classes. Being able to learn a topic in a lecture and then applying the knowledge to the lab always helps with understanding. I also enjoy how easy it is to make friends through interactive classes and lab environments. In most classes, I tend to recognize or know most of the other students based on previous classes we have had together.
What has been one of your favorite class projects?
MET 143 Materials and Processes I is one of the first classes you will take on campus and has a great lab associated with it. This class involves learning about the structures, properties, processing, and applications of metals and ceramics used in industry. Students learn to weld and cast metal. I also really enjoyed MET 230 Fluid Power as I learned a lot and had to opportunity to go to a National Fluid Power Association meet and greet with a few industry partners.
What other activities are you involved in on campus?
I am the Events Chair for Women in Technology where I organize professional development activities and camps for high school students. I actively volunteer at FIRST robotics events and mentor a FIRST Robotics Competition Team in Missouri as I had a co-op with Emerson Electric there. I am also in Phi Sigma Rho which is a STEM sorority.
What do you know about your program of study now that you wish someone had told you when you were choosing a major?
Look at the plan of study and pick out potential classes that sound interesting to bring to your academic advisor. Some classes are only offered in the fall/spring and can be challenging to get into. They can also sometimes get acceptions for some classes so it will count towards your degree if it is similar enough. You can also take classes that do not count toward your degree.
What would be one piece of advice for prospective students or new Purdue students?
Once you get here, join multiple activities and look into study abroad programs. Make sure you are involved in classes and around campus. You do not always need a perfect internship experience; sometimes something you are passionate about will provide a better experience and strengths to talk about in interviews.