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.
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."
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."
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."
All of my hands-on classes and the opportunity to learn intuitively have set me apart from other job candidates."
My experiences in the Polytechnic and at Purdue have prepared me well, building a diverse knowledge base of theoretical, technical and hands-on skills as well as the ability to continue learning and adapting. Something I will take with me is the desire to learn, get my hands dirty, and truly experience the work I am doing while asking questions and looking for support when I need it."
Purdue and the Polytechnic both helped me by giving me a thorough understanding of IT topics and issues, as well as many applicable skills which I can use to get a running start with my career. In classes, it always felt like a family or a team tackling a challenge as one."
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 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."
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."
Purdue’s hands-on labs and structured courses helped me develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills specific to cybersecurity. Working with my lab partners pushed me to do my best, which gave me confidence when presenting myself to potential employers."
The extensive amount of collaboration with my peers in the Polytechnic has given me the skills to communicate effectively and work well with other team members."
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."
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."
The hands-on experience working with turbine engines, airframes and electrical systems has helped me gain a great understanding of many aspects of aviation and gas/power systems. Professor Barnes and Dr. Davis have been hugely supportive and influential in helping me learn and achieve my goals."
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."
The UX program helped me become a stronger communicator, and working with Paul Parsons taught me how to research effectively—skills that are key for managing projects and client relationships."
My classes not only prepared me to be a good designer, but a good manufacturer; I understand the process of creating a product from the initial idea all the way to holding the finished product in my hands. And, I can thank Purdue Polytechnic for my job opportunity – I worked with my employer for my capstone project!
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By my sophomore year, I was completing labs with enterprise-grade networking equipment. The knowledge I gained in labs set me apart when applying for internships, which in turn helped me fill my resume with corporate experience before graduating from Purdue."
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."
Intro to controls system and manufacturing system integration gave me my intro to controls systems and helped prepare to lead in the industry."