What made you decide to choose your specific major?
I chose Industrial Engineering Technology because I have always been interested in the applications of engineering to a business setting, particularly with the logistics of the product economy. I am also pursuing Mechanical Engineering Technology because I really enjoy the creative, hands-on problem solving and being able to construct models/prototypes of concept designs. Double majoring in IET and MET allows me to be well versed in quite literally the entire engineering process, from design to sourcing to construction to consumption, thereby giving me the range to be an asset to any company or potentially start my own.
What are a couple of your favorite things about your program of study?
My favorite thing so far about IET is learning about the inner workings of how a company or manufacturer can get their product to the market. It also puts emphasis on developing leadership abilities and building soft skills, especially through course options like project management and organizational leadership. With MET, my favorite thing about it is the number of hands-on labs working with different materials, such as polymers, metals, ceramics, etc. The courses are structured to not only provide you with the theory, but also give you the physical demonstrations and experiments that further reinforce what you learn from lecture.
What has been one of your favorite class projects?
My favorite project that I have done so far was through my IET 214 class, which was an introduction into Supply Chain Management Technology. As a final project, groups had to create a comprehensive supply chain and logistics plan for a product or service that could be implemented to Purdue’s campus. My group and I came up with what we called “Boiler Bentos”, which were vending machines that had single-serving meal options 24/7, meant for students who do not have the time for or are too far away from alternate dining options. We developed an end-to-end plan, detailing our food costs, where we would place the vending machines, how we would stock the machines, and how our Boiler Bento system could be implemented sustainably. This project gave me my first taste of what Industrial Engineering Technology would look like, and it has left me hungry for more, pun intended. :)
What other activities are you involved in on campus?
I am heavily involved with the Asian/Asian American organizations on campus, particularly in the Purdue Filipino Association and AAARCC’s Lion Dance Team. In terms of major-related activities, I am also a part of Women in Technology and Purdue’s NASA Human Exploration Rover Challenge (HERC) Team.
What do you know about your program of study now that you wish someone had told you when you were choosing a major?
I wish someone had told me what Industrial Engineering Technology really was! When I was applying to Purdue, I was under the impression that “industrial” meant designing and working with industrial/manufacturing equipment, so I wasn’t quite interested in that. But if I had known that it was more of logistics engineering and learning about the processes of manufacturing, I wouldn’t have had that doubt.
What would be one piece of advice for prospective students or new Purdue students?
If it looks interesting, DO IT!! Whether it’s about an organization, class, or something else, if you think you would find it enjoyable in the slightest bit, just try it! Purdue, and college as a whole, is a great environment for you to branch out in your path to self-discovery, and there are infinite opportunities to explore and try something that you normally wouldn’t do. You never know what might happen!