When starting my time in Aggieland, I had only the vaguest idea of what my involvement would look like, how I would spend my time and where I would end up. Of course, I knew where I wanted to be four years later, but in full transparency, I wasn’t too sure how to get there.

When looking back on my time at Texas A&M and in the College of Engineering, I am abundantly appreciative of how Texas A&M Engineering really allows you to create your own path!

Student Organizations

When we first begin to conceptualize our college experience, especially coming out of high school, our minds instantly move toward student organizations. I could write pages and pages about the wonderful (and, oh, so many) student organizations that find their home at Texas A&M University. I’ve personally been involved with the Student Engineers’ Council and ASME, but I have so many friends who have connected with NSBE, Engineers Without Borders, SWE, and TamuHack. No matter where you go, you’ll find not only like-minded peers, but a community of folks that will challenge you to be a better student, engineer, and person in our community. At this point, you know that there is an organization for just about any  interest you may have. And if not, the culture of Aggieland strongly encourages you to tap into your entrepreneurial spirit and create one yourself!

Specialized Study

Perhaps one of the greatest aspects of the College of Engineering is how you can tailor your degree plan fit to your personal, academic and professional goals.

For starters, many of the engineering departments offer minors or certificates, which give you credit on your diploma for pursuing a specialized path. Minors typically allow you to take courses in another department (perhaps combining two passions), while certificates are offered on the college-level and cover a wide variety of subjects. For instance, I know friends who have studied for and completed the Energy Engineering Certificate, Engineering Project Management minor, Petroleum Ventures Program and the Zachry Leadership Program!

As for my experience, I have been able to complete the Engineering Entrepreneurship Certificate (C3), take Special Topics courses in patent law and nanotechnology, as well as tailor my mechanical engineering electives to focus on product design and manufacturing!

Projects & Research

An underutilized resource for College of Engineering students is the wide array of research-based and other academic projects available for us! Projects and research are great opportunities to explore interests and gain meaningful experience, all during the regular semesters or even for course credit.

Some of the awesome projects I’m aware of around the college include the SAE Formula 1 team, Rocket Engine Design team, building a concrete canoe through the civil engineering department, and so many more that aren’t limited to upper-class students. Some projects are even offered during intensive weekends — Aggies Invent and hack-a-thons are wonderful chances to put your engineering skills to the test.

On the research side of things, consider this is a great chance to dive deeper into academically rigorous work, even if you are unsure of pursuing graduate school in engineering. Many of these professors take a deep interest not only in the work you do for their laboratory but also as mentors and friends throughout your college experience.

Personalized Approach

When looking back on my time in Aggieland, I’m so incredibly thankful for not only how I’ve been able to craft my own path to my goals, but also to see so many of my friends and classmates do the same.

I know students pursuing a medical career (thanks, EnMed) and students pursuing careers in consulting and finance (thanks STEM-to-Stocks) after 4+ years of engineering school.

Whether you want to stay in a technical career, branch out and start your company or pursue a more academic route through research and becoming a professor, Texas A&M is the place to show you all and equip you for whatever you want to do!