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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 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."
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 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 gave me real, hands-on exposure to the construction industry from day one. Courses like CM 150 and 450 helped me understand what actually happens on a jobsite, while electives in sales and entrepreneurship strengthened my communication skills and business mindset—both of which will help me succeed in client-focused project roles."
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."
In my time here, I was tested not only on how to understand certain information, but also to ask the right questions."
The School of Engineering Technology does a great job covering the wide range of jobs I could have gone into, including manufacturing, quality control, and even theory-based jobs. Nearly all of the recruiters I have talked to are ecstatic to learn about the hands-on experience I received."
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."
With a curriculum geared toward application and hands-on experience, I was able to take several labs that gave me experience with things I will be exposed to in industry. Design Thinking in Technology and my senior capstone project incorporated real-life problem-solving applications, and team projects gave me the necessary communication and collaboration needed to thrive!"
I would like to thank all of my professors for making themselves available when I needed extra help. They challenged me to perform at a higher level and often reached out to me personally about career and leadership opportunities."
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."
A huge part of the Purdue Polytechnic is the heavy emphasis of practical knowledge and giving students the opportunities to apply what they have learned in real world situations. Through Purdue, I was able to acquire an internship in games/simulation that set me up for success my senior year!"
Purdue Polytechnic gave me the technical knowledge and adaptability I need in a changing HR field. The support from so many mentors among both faculty and staff helped me grow into a stronger leader and professional."
Purdue Polytechnic allowed me to pursue my education at an accelerated pace while working full-time in the industry. I would also like to thank my parents and husband for their continuous support, and for challenging me to go outside my comfort zone as an engineer."
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."
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."
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!"
Purdue’s broad curriculum allowed me to explore various areas of IT, helping me find the perfect fit in systems administration. My experience working with Purdue IT, especially with Active Directory and troubleshooting, has prepared me well for my new role. Classes like CNIT 242, CNIT 344, and CNIT 345 emphasized the importance of systems integration and documentation, while Professor Deadman’s real-world-focused classes helped me see the bigger picture in IT."
Purdue Polytechnic provided me with the experience I needed to succeed, and inspired me to pursue unorthodox opportunities. Harley Barta, my department’s student success coordinator, has been especially important to me. She is a mentor, a challenger, an advocate and a lifelong friend."
