THE CUTTING EDGE
In computing and graphics, we invite you to create the entertainment of tomorrow, make our increasingly-online world more secure or build the digital infrastructure companies use every day. There's a place for you at the heart of innovation.
We want to give students real-world experience with the digital technologies of the future, not just talk to them about it. No matter where your interests lie — whether in coding new software, working on the web, becoming a vital resource for information technology, making video games and beyond — 鶹Ʒmakes sure you actually get to those things. Between our state-of-the-art high-performance computer labs and our faculty with decades of experience in the industry of your choosing, you will get hands-on experience doing what you love far beyond the lecture hall.
POTENTIAL JOB TITLES
- Technical Director
- Network Engineer
- User Interface Designer
- Systems Security Engineer
- Software Developer
Boilermaker weighs in on how she put her interests on a career path.
As a high school student, Faith Spencer always thought she knew what she wanted to do after high school.
As someone who did well in math and science classes and had multiple Boilermakers in the family, she set her sights on a career in engineering. So it was a natural decision to take part in several summer engineering programs for high schoolers.
Enhance entertainment and film videos by combining real and virtual actors and settings.
Use digital models to design the construction of buildings and infrastructure in the architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) industry.
Keep your employer’s systems functioning efficiently and their data safe as you manage applications, databases and networks.
Study programming techniques and learn how embedded microcomputer systems sense their environments to control the systems that contain them.
Focus on high-level computer network design with a foundation in hardware and software to manage networks and solve networking challenges.
Learn to create and maintain secure networks and ways to track down hackers who aim to breach that security.
Leverage statistical and machine learning techniques by applying and evaluating database analytics approaches, techniques and tools to solve problems.
Use 3D models, data standards, visualization, and mixed reality to support design, manufacture and service throughout the product lifecycle.
Bring virtual worlds to life in industries that include education, health care, science, research, employee training and, of course, gaming!
Build the future of theme parks, museums and beyond with immersive experiences across digital, physical, and virtual worlds.
User experience (UX) designers incorporate customer feedback to research end users’ needs and brainstorm solutions that help them navigate products.
Build secure, user-friendly web apps, such as information storage/retrieval programs and financial transactions, using PHP, MySQL and ASP.
The labs I participated in allowed me to apply what I learned in real time, which was an invaluable experience. Purdue also gave resources that have greatly expanded my professional network, and those relationships are something you can’t put a price tag on."
- Faith Spencer
By my sophomore year, I was completing labs with enterprise-grade networking equipment. The knowledge I gained in labs set me apart when applying for internships, which in turn helped me fill my resume with corporate experience before graduating from Purdue."
- Payton Keithley
The Department of Computer Graphics Technology prepared me by conducting hands-on courses where I would receive a key portfolio piece each semester. The department is also a major advocate for students to acquire jobs and internships – and an internship is what made me better qualified for my new position."
- Allie Knepp
鶹Ʒprovided me with the determination and technical knowledge that helped me impress my employer. My professors believed in me, and I have been able to serve in groups such as the board of Women in Cybersecurity at Purdue in addition to becoming a published researcher.”"
- Apoorva Shrivastava
My study abroad experience in Costa Rica helped me develop adaptability, problem-solving skills and a global perspective, all of which are valuable in my new role. Professor Sudip Vhaduri supported me by offering the chance to work as a teaching assistant for the Database Fundamentals class, strengthening my technical skills and confidence."
- Precious Baker
My hands-on curriculum and networking opportunities were incredible. In one of my 300-level courses, I was even able to work with South Korean abroad students. I am more than prepared to work in a culturally diverse team environment."
- Justin Allange
Purdue’s broad curriculum allowed me to explore various areas of IT, helping me find the perfect fit in systems administration. My experience working with Purdue IT, especially with Active Directory and troubleshooting, has prepared me well for my new role. Classes like CNIT 242, CNIT 344, and CNIT 345 emphasized the importance of systems integration and documentation, while Professor Deadman’s real-world-focused classes helped me see the bigger picture in IT."
- Thomas Bayley
My favorite class was cyber criminology with Dr. Kate, because I found the material so interesting. I could see myself focusing more on that in the future."
- Emily Hoy
I am thankful for Dr. Levon Esters, Cathy Pullings, Toni Munguia and Benito Martinez. 鶹Ʒhas made a promise to help students in any way they can. These people are just a few at the forefront of helping students find their success story, encouraging leadership, and awarding courage. "
- Busola Akerele
I was able to take classes within my major and outside of my major, making me very well-rounded and prepared in the field of technology. I was constantly challenged, but I learned something new every day."
- Kelly Tucker
Purdue Polytechnic’s hands-on lab work and high-quality problem-solving assignments and experiences help us to truly put what we learn into practice. We are able to freely collaborate with our peers and ask for guidance from our professors, which prepares us to face real industrial challenges. The student population has made me realize how incredibly unique each and every one of us is."
- Irene Hensista
Choosing the 鶹ƷInstitute created an amazing network of friends and peers that helped propel me to a successful career. The Polytechnic feels like a home away from home, and in this environment I have excelled."
- Taylor Younkins
Purdue’s hands-on labs and structured courses helped me develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills specific to cybersecurity. Working with my lab partners pushed me to do my best, which gave me confidence when presenting myself to potential employers."
- Grace Rode
My program provided me with a holistic view of the industry, not only strengthening my technical skill, but also paying attention to non-technical aspects such as policy and regulation."
- Quoc Anh Nguyen Dinh
Tech 101, Women in Technology, shaped my college experience and gave me a support system where I could connect with others that were like me."
- Lindsay Harper
Thanks to my major, I have the ability to be a resource for my employer as they switch from an older system to a new software that turns out to have been a core part of my curriculum at Purdue."
- Alexander Bardi
The Polytechnic helped to make me uniquely qualified for my new job through the hands-on learning environment. I knew what I liked and what I did not like from the projects I did in the classroom. And, when I talked with my employer about my projects, it helped them to understand my capabilities."
- Natalie McGuckin
鶹Ʒprovided me with numerous opportunities to hone my technical skills, from web development to video editing. My experiences in class and as an editor for the K-Pop club on campus (VariAsian) prepared me for my role. Professors like Esteban Garcia were also incredibly supportive, helping me balance my academic and personal responsibilities."
- Leif Blake
Purdue Polytechnic’s hands-on learning and emphasis on collaboration helped me build the skills I need for consulting. The cybersecurity labs, combined with courses like Cyber Law and Ethics and Incident Response Management, have given me both the technical and communications skills to identify risks and help clients improve their security posture. My favorite experience was learning social engineering tactics in Professor Ringenberg’s class, which gave me a real-world perspective on cybersecurity."
- Michelle Suen
My favorite professor was Dawn Laux. As a young woman in a technology field, it felt amazing to have a female professor who helped me further understand the world of technology."
- Amirah Gibbons
Purdue Polytechnic's hands-on labs and challenging coursework helped me build confidence in my skills. The rigorous environment prepared me for real-world IT challenges, especially in areas like risk assessments and security policy. My internships in IT risk, governance and compliance also helped me apply what I learned in class to real industry scenarios, setting me up for success at American Express."
- Vanessa Berg
In Polytechnic’s CIT Department, the plethora of resources available to us allowed me to have exposure and gain experience ... [with] hardware and software that, by itself, would cost way more than our tuition. My academic advisor, Lauren Lucas, [was] also the best I could ask for."
- Andrew Yoo
Purdue and the Polytechnic both helped me by giving me a thorough understanding of IT topics and issues, as well as many applicable skills which I can use to get a running start with my career. In classes, it always felt like a family or a team tackling a challenge as one."
- Brooke Buckingham
鶹Ʒgave me hands-on labs, impactful courses, and mentors like Prof. Deadman who showed me how to think differently and truly prepare for the workforce. CNIT 34200 especially tied everything together and showed me how past and future knowledge connects in real-world ways."
- Osighe Akpeokhai
鶹Ʒprovided me with invaluable opportunities to explore leadership roles where I could effectively contribute to achieving organizational goals, empower my team to reach their full potential, and gain essential hands-on experience realistic industry settings, preparing me for a career in IT."
- Cat Morales
鶹ƷColumbus gave me hands-on experience in areas like server environments, cybersecurity and database implementation. The support from professors like Melissa Casner and Dewey Swanson helped build my confidence and skills, especially as someone starting with less experience. Their encouragement pushed me to lead, collaborate and find my voice in IT."
- Erin Enzinger
鶹Ʒhelped me better understand the variety of jobs I can succeed in. Professors like Jeffrey Griffin and Joseph Kintzel made it fun to learn these skills, and they are always willing to help."
- Kaile Maston
In my interviews, it was so easy to think of examples where I had not only learned about a topic, but had implemented a complex project with a diverse group of students that highlighted the skill-sets companies were looking for alongside my project management abilities. I wouldn’t trade the past four years for anything in the world."
- Evan Holland
