Engineering Perspectives: Lessons Beyond the Classroom
Four distinguished engineering leaders. Four unique journeys. A shared message about the opportunities, challenges, and responsibilities that shape a career in engineering.
What does it take to build a meaningful career in engineering? And what can students learn from those who have already navigated its challenges, unexpected turns, and opportunities?
These questions were at the heart of Engineering Perspectives: Conversations with Distinguished Leaders, a panel discussion featuring four of Purdue's Neil Armstrong Distinguished Visiting Professors: Jerome Hajjar, Kevin Anderson, Ronald Latanision, and Theodore (Ted) Rappaport.
Moderated by Kendra Erk, Assistant Dean for First-Year Engineering Programs and Professor of Materials Engineering, the conversation was guided by questions submitted by first-year engineering students. Drawing on experiences spanning academia, industry, research, and public service, the panelists shared personal stories, career-defining moments, and lessons learned along the way.
Lessons from experience
For Rappaport, a Purdue alumnus, one such defining moment came during his first week as an undergraduate in 1978, when a lecture about the emerging possibilities of cellular technology sparked his lifelong interest in wireless communications. His advice to students was to embrace opportunities, even when they seem intimidating.
When there's an opportunity, go for it. Even if you're afraid, you don't think you're qualified, do it.
The discussion also explored how setbacks and unexpected turns can lead to new directions. Hajjar recalled an unsuccessful attempt to pursue architecture that ultimately helped him discover how to combine his interests in engineering and design. His experiences reinforced the importance of remaining open to possibilities while developing strong technical foundations.
Keep an open mind, keep building the fundamentals, look for opportunities and you will find them.
Beyond individual career paths, the panelists reflected on the qualities that define successful engineers. Anderson emphasized the importance of communication, collaboration, and building relationships, drawing from his extensive experience in manufacturing and industry. Latanision brought a broader perspective, challenging students to consider not only what technology can accomplish, but also its implications for society and the public trust.
We as engineers, when we perform our role as technologists, it's best performed when it serves a useful social purpose.
Throughout the conversation, a common message emerged: while technical expertise provides the foundation for an engineering career, perseverance, integrity, curiosity, and the ability to work with others are equally important.
As Anderson reminded the audience in his closing remarks:
Engineering is a team sport.
The event marked an opportunity to bring the collective experiences of distinguished engineering leaders to a broader student audience, reflecting the mission of Purdue Engineering’s Neil Armstrong Distinguished Visiting Professors program to foster meaningful connections, exchange knowledge, and inspire the next generation of engineers.
Watch the full conversation
Hear the panelists share their experiences, reflections, and advice in the complete recording of Engineering Perspectives: Conversations with Distinguished Leaders.