Engineering

Ever since I was a child, I was interested in building things and in understanding how things work. Legos and K'NEX were always near the top of my wish list. When I went to apply to colleges, it was natural for me to look at engineering schools. I was a member of the inaugural class (the class of 2006) at the Franklin W. Olin College of Engineering in Needham, Massachusetts.

For me, Olin was the only college that I was excited about attending - it offers a unique approach to engineering education, emphasizing many components beyond those included in a traditional engineering education. Olin classes integrate business, entrepreneurship, arts, humanities, social sciences, and design, so that students understand the context that their engineering knowledge fits in. Additionally, Olin students are allowed to cross-register in courses at Babson College, Wellesley College, and Brandeis University, providing a complete spectrum of business, art, and science classes. I received a B.S. in mechanical engineering in June of 2006, and I'm currently working as a mechanical engineer at a medical device company in Marlborough.

I view engineering as the ultimate liberal art - an engineering degree provides the critical thinking skills that are an essential foundation in any field. Essentially, engineering is knowing how to solve problems. So even if my passions or interests change, I'm armed with the tools I will need to succeed in any field.

Questions? Comments? Contact:
tom@tomkochem.com