Final Reflection
Brief Overview
My experience in the I&E program at Duke University has been transformational. The program has helped me develop a more holistic view of engineering, where I am not only concerned about the technical aspects of a project but also about how to bring my ideas to life. Through the program, I have learned about the importance of entrepreneurship in engineering, and how to create a business model that supports my ideas. I am now equipped with the tools to navigate the complex landscape of innovation, and I am excited to apply the skills and knowledge I have gained in the program to real-world projects.
Reflection
Growing up, my father would always mention to me that what makes engineers even more competent is being able to project past the technical landscape and see how it fits in the overall business. He would always emphasize how engineers need to be able to speak both the technical language but also the business language so teams can perform very efficiently. Hearing this as a young high school student made sense but it was still unclear. After interacting with many different students and professors in this program, I have been able to see the importance of learning about this world of entrepreneurship and innovation.
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One specific experience that really allowed me to experience both worlds was when I took I&E 354. Looking back, it was a fantastic way to not only learn the fundamentals that allowed me to understand more about business, but it was also to take a non-engineering class that added more diversity to my viewpoints. I am very thankful for having that course in my roadmap at Duke as it truly allowed me to know that I love business development and was on the right track.
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When I started learning about entrepreneurship at Duke, I thought that it was all about discovering the correct formula for success. I was just there excited for the moment I discover that formula and then I could go to the world and apply it. Quickly I realized that it is the complete opposite. In all of these different courses, I learned about how so many people achieved success through so many different pathways that it is impossible to have a unique formula. I learned about the importance of failure, of not being complacent, of working hard and smart. I learned about some of the principles that can be great guides for a success, even though it is not guaranteed. Overall, it was a very rich learning experience.
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This program was a perfect addition to my engineering career. It added the needed business perspective and knowledge to my education that I needed. I think it is fascinating how even through a small number of courses, I was able to have my mind completely opened to a new perspective on how to create value in the world. And that is my biggest takeaway from it! In the end, it is about creating value to people's lives. For some, that maybe creating the fanciest phone, for others that might be finding out the next fashion trend. For me it will be developing medical technology that can enhance people's lives and help them overcome physical limitations. You might ask, in what form? Well, stay tuned with this website to see what I will get involved it!
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In any case, I am very thankful for everyone that made this program possible. From the deans and adminstrators that allow such flexibility in our undergraduate education, to the fantastic professors that kindly supported me and my peers through our journey. I am very thankful for everyone in the I&E department, and for how they allowed me to tailor my education to my need. In the end, they are such a fantastic example of entrepreneurship and innovation. They created value in my life in a way that matched my needs, and I am excited to give back to them by taking this knowledge and helping the world.
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