Faculty, alumni and students come together
for first-ever ME Professional Development Day
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 n October 2, mechanical engineering classes were cancelled and students instead attended the first-ever ME Professional Development Day. The event was a combined initiative by ME faculty, ME Industrial Advisory Board (IAB) members, and college student services. Students had the chance to meet one-on-one with a faculty advisor, as well as talk with student advising services to double-check their transcripts and ensure they are on track to graduate on time.
After this, students could meet with IAB members Richard Anderson, Brian Haas, Paul Papke, Brian Rauch, Andy Rensink and Christine Schyvinck to hear their experiences about competing in a global environment; working for small, medium and multinational companies; and working in the consulting environment. Student services representatives also were on hand to give students information about Engineering Career Services, graduate school and international studies.
“I thought the day was unprecedented in its approach to offer the ME students a positive alternative to the traditional method of talking with an advisor,” says IAB member Paul Papke, vice president of sales and marketing at UGN Inc. “The IAB was pleased to be involved in this event from its inception. It provided us, as engineering and non-engineering professionals, an opportunity to share our career experiences and provide an industry-related viewpoint.”
The day also provided IAB members a chance to listen and learn from students. “This sharing of ideas and experiences enriches us both and allows the IAB to provide more focused advice and counsel in support of the vision and goals that Professor Roxann Engelstad and the rest of the ME faculty are working toward,” says Papke.
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