Next generation of engineers meets industry leaders

Scott Tursic, a second-year mechanical engineering student, shares his experiences and advice on how students can gain insight into their future at the event.;

What did you enjoy most about the event last year?

It was nice to talk to industry leaders without feeling like I had to “sell myself.” There’s no pressure. They're there because they want to share their experiences in engineering.

The event is designed to help you learn what's out there in the field and how you could make a positive impact on society using whatever degree you might earn.

What was the biggest takeaway for you?

Hearing directly from engineers about the interdisciplinary applications of engineering was powerful. You hear about it in class, but wonder, “Is it actually true?”  Their real-world examples of working across all kinds of industries reinforced that concept.

What was the biggest learning opportunity for you?

Communication. You can't accomplish much if you can't share your thoughts and work. Communication skills are just as important as STEM skills. The event is a great opportunity to develop networking skills. It’s a low risk, possibly high reward situation.

What advice do you have for students attending the event?

Attend at least one Q&A panel of engineering professionals! Hearing firsthand what engineers do day-to-day helps you make connections between majors, disciplines within the field and potential career paths.

Ask questions! That’s why the presenters are there. They want to support the next generation of engineers and scientists.

Attend a session with someone and compare notes. I attended with classmates last year. We encouraged each other to talk to people and discussed what we learned and questions we had.

What steps do you recommend students take after the event?

Investigate anything that interests you, even if it seems unrelated to your current or intended major.

Get contact information, especially if someone gives an informative answer. Email the presenter(s), introduce yourself and ask follow-up questions.

Learn about the variety of engineering roles, titles, responsibilities, skills, degrees, etc. Look up job descriptions. Research the different positions engineers can hold and what is required to perform which duties. 

What’s the biggest impact the event had on you? 

I made a contact that led to a summer internship. A representative from CRG recommended I apply the following spring. I interviewed and accepted their offer right before everything went remote in March. It's really cool to see how that all connected, from last fall up to this summer, even during the COVID-19 pandemic.  

What helped you decide to study mechanical engineering? 

When I visited UC my junior year in high school, I was debating between chemical or mechanical engineering. Talking to the fifth-year chemical engineering student who led the tour gave me more insight on what chemical engineering students do, and it wasn’t for me. Knowing this helped me choose mechanical engineering. I enjoy working on the macroscale and having a broad base of knowledge, which I find mechanical engineering does well.

Students interested in attending the virtual event can register online. For more information, contact engineeryourmajor@ucmail.uc.edu