Flash

Colleen O'Laughlin '01
Colleen O'Laughlin '01

Beyond the classes and courses in the curriculum, Clarkson students have a long tradition of extracurricular participation thanks to the University's friendly, personalized living and learning environment. More than 80 clubs and organizations on campus offer opportunities that range from student chapters of professional organizations to sports and musical groups to student media and government. Beyond the chance to enjoy and explore personal interests, these groups and projects also enable undergraduates to develop teamwork, communication and leadership skills.

Consider the perspective of Colleen O'Laughlin '01, who graduated with degrees in both interdisciplinary Engineering & Management and Mechanical Engineering, and has been on the fast track at General Electric Aircraft Engines since graduation. She participated in the Edison Engineering Development Program (EEDP) for GE Transportation - an entry-level rotational program for top engineering talent while pursuing a master's degree at Tufts. Most recently Colleen worked as a Lead Operability Engineer for two GE Aircraft Engine programs. Then, this spring, she was promoted to be the manager of the entire EEDP program, which currently has 91 participants at locations in Massachusetts, Ohio, Mexico and India.

"The team environment that Clarkson promotes has really helped me in my career," she says, "learning to work with individuals with different backgrounds and experiences and utilizing those differences to solve problems. Many design projects and team projects helped me, but some of the most memorable experiences were in the extracurricular organizations that I was involved in. Being part of organizations such as CUSA (Student Association) and SWE (Society of Women Engineers) taught me what it was like to lead with authority and strike a balance between work and leisure."