Major: Electrical Engineering
Hometown: Pittsburgh
Why he chose his major: It’s the closest thing to applied wizardry.
Campus involvement: President of the Behrend student chapter of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, member of the Society of Automotive Engineers, Computer Engineering Club, and Behrend’s Fitness Club.
Involvement = connections: Being involved in student organizations, taking on leadership roles, helping professors with research projects, and attending networking events opened doors for me that I would never have found otherwise. Doing these things was not just about padding my résumé, but about building real connections with professors, collaborating with peers on ambitious projects, and gaining leadership experience that boosted my confidence and shaped my career trajectory.
What you’d be surprised to know about him: English is my second language.
What he’s passionate about: Electrical engineering, public transportation infrastructure, sustainable energy, and urban design.
Advice for first-year students: Get involved as much as possible on campus. The value of your degree isn’t just in the classes you take, but also in the things you do outside of the classroom. I’ve found that the students who thrive the most aren’t necessarily the ones with the highest GPAs, but those who immerse themselves in the opportunities around them. Joining clubs, taking on leadership roles, attending career fairs, and saying “yes” to new experiences will make all the difference. You never know which professor, project, or chance encounter will lead to your next internship, job, or lifelong friendship.
Jay will be a power systems and controls automation engineer working with the digital integration solutions team at Eaton.
Students who thrive the most aren’t necessarily the ones with the highest GPAs, but those who immerse themselves in the opportunities around them.
—Jay Abraham