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Catherine Talbot |
| Mechanical Engineering | |
| Engineering Leadership Development | |
| Class of 2013 | |
Hometown: West Sand Lake, New York
High School: Averill Park High School
Extracurricular Activities: ASME, Society of Women Engineers (SWE), Ski Club, Sailing Club, THON OPP and Morale Committees
Internship/Co-op Experience: Chevron Corporation, ExxonMobil, GE Transportation
Why did you choose to come to Penn State? If I was to choose one word for why I chose Penn State it would be opportunity. I chose Penn State after attending the SWE Stayover my senior year of high school. The pride and love for Penn State rubbed off on me from the students on campus.
What has been your best memory as an engineering student? As an engineering student my best memory has been getting involved with all of the great engineering organizations we have at Penn State. The relationships you build in organizations such as the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, Society of Women Engineers, Society of Manufacturing Engineers, Engineering Orientation Network, etc. create a support system. Through this support system I have gained great mentors as well as had the chance to mentor younger peers in engineering.
What advice would you give a first-year engineer? Take the initiative. Do not be afraid to sign up for clubs and activities and pursue the opportunities that Penn State has to offer. It is up to you to make the best out of your four years here and the same advice can be used when you start your first real job. The opportunities to go above and beyond your job description (being a student) is what will make you stand out in a big school.
What do you plan to do after graduation? Accepting a full-time offer and attending graduate school part time.
What has been your best experience outside of engineering at Penn State? My best experience has been the opportunity to travel to Budapest, Hungary with a class for my minor. The Leadership Development minor was a great way to take my learning abroad and complete a project in collaboration with Corvinus University in Budapest.