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 helped me better understand the variety of jobs I can succeed in. Professors like Jeffrey Griffin and Joseph Kintzel made it fun to learn these skills, and they are always willing to help."
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."
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!"
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 Department of Computer Graphics Technology prepared me by conducting hands-on courses where I would receive a key portfolio piece each semester. The department is also a major advocate for students to acquire jobs and internships – and an internship is what made me better qualified for my new position."
My hands-on curriculum and networking opportunities were incredible. In one of my 300-level courses, I was even able to work with South Korean abroad students. I am more than prepared to work in a culturally diverse team environment."
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."
In Polytechnic’s CIT Department, the plethora of resources available to us allowed me to have exposure and gain experience ... [with] hardware and software that, by itself, would cost way more than our tuition. My academic advisor, Lauren Lucas, [was] also the best I could ask for."
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."
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!"
My professors, advisors and administrative staff were there to help me with any questions I had. They always made me feel welcome and even helped me navigate the world of interviews and job offers!
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Purdue and the Polytechnic Institute have given me the opportunity to work with a wide variety of electrical and control systems for different use cases. The classes that I feel helped prepare me the most for my career were Intro to Industrial Controls and Embedded Digital Systems."
Purdue Polytechnic provided me with hands-on experience and diverse knowledge of other concentrations like electrical, materials, and automation engineering. Being well-rounded and knowing how to apply my knowledge greatly helped me become qualified for my job."
Purdue Polytechnic’s great lab facilities and world-class professors, many of whom were once industry professionals, prepared me very well for a real-world manufacturing environment. I even got to work with a medical startup to create a product from scratch during my capstone project."
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’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."
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."
I was always intimidated by statistics, but the faculty made it very approachable and I apply many of those concepts to my job. For the same reason, I also appreciated the focus on international relations—the study abroad trip with James Tanoos was an amazing experience I’ll always remember."
Purdue Polytechnic gave me real-world experience and the confidence to launch my career. Hands-on projects like designing a showroom for JSI and courses like Capstone INTR 42800 helped me apply my skills in professional settings. Mentors like Charles Anthony Elliot Sr. and Emily Allison McLaughlin provided the guidance and support that truly set me up for success."
In my interviews, it was so easy to think of examples where I had not only learned about a topic, but had implemented a complex project with a diverse group of students that highlighted the skill-sets companies were looking for alongside my project management abilities. I wouldn’t trade the past four years for anything in the world."