College Experiences That Helped A Hardware Engineer At A Big Tech Company Succeed
Bob's undergraduate success stemmed from initially changing majors from business to pursue "math and science and engineering," ultimately leading to physics and mechanical engineering. The undergraduate research experience in physics proved particularly impactful, providing "insight and interest into what research really looked like," and setting the stage for graduate studies and a successful career in hardware engineering.
Undergraduate Research, Career Change, Hard Work, STEM, Physics and Mechanical Engineering
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Bob Buckley
Hardware Engineer
Fortune 10 Tech Co.
UNL
UCSB
Engineering - Mechanical
Technology
Product / Service / Software Development and Management
First Generation College Student
Video Highlights
1. Maintain a strong academic record by studying hard and performing well in classes.
2. Don't be afraid to change your major if you find a better fit for your interests and skills. Explore different fields to find your passion.
3. Participate in undergraduate research to gain valuable experience in a research setting, develop your interest in science and research, and potentially improve your chances of getting into graduate school or a competitive career.
Transcript
Q12: College ideas for success.
What did you do in undergrad to set you up for success in your career?
That's a good question. I studied hard and did well in classes. For me, I was open to changing my major.
I started in business just to make my mom happy so I could go home and farm. I didn't think I needed a technical college degree for that.
However, I was interested in math, science, and engineering. I was interested enough to switch my major, and that set me up, I guess, in some ways. I studied hard and did well.
Actually, one of the big things was that I did physics and mechanical engineering. I started doing undergraduate research in a physics department. That gave me a lot of insight and interest into what research really looked like.
That gave me appreciation for science and research and an understanding of that world. And that set me up for, I think, going to graduate school and then being successful as a researcher.
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