Another year and another semester are upon us. I made a New Year’s Resolution to drink more water. In order to drink more water I need to drink less Diet Coke. It’s day 9 of no Diet Coke and I haven’t died of dehydration, so I think that means I’m doing pretty well so far. I’d like to challenge all of our UTA Industrial Engineering undergraduate students to make a New Semester’s Resolution. Let’s call it “Get Involved in 2014!”
There are so many great opportunities for students to get involved in the department, at UTA, in the community and as industrial engineers. Our student chapter of the Institute of Industrial Engineers is very active. They have monthly meetings, plant tours, social outings, a student lounge in Woolf Hall, intermural teams, a newsletter, and a Facebook page just off the top of my head. If you haven’t been active with IIE in the past, that’s an easy, fun, rewarding way to “Get Involved in 2014”.
If you want to challenge yourself even more think about taking advantage of one of the many extra opportunities that are available to IE undergraduate students. One example is the Values and Ventures competition being sponsored by TCU and open to undergraduate student teams from UTA. The competition involves building a business plan for “for-profit enterprises that impact society in meaningful ways.” I know a lot of you are interested in entrepreneurship and this would be a great way to gain some experience in that arena. You can find more information about the competition at the following website:
Texas A&M University is accepting applications for its 2014 Summer Undergraduate Research Program. As part of the program, undergraduate students work closely with faculty members on current or individual research projects, attend development and GRE workshops, make a formal poster presentation of their research experience, and submit a final written report describing the results of their research. A $5,000 scholarship, tuition and fees, housing and travel expenses are provided. This is opportunity would be especially valuable for any student considering graduate school. You can find eligibility requirements and details can be found here: http://easa.tamu.edu/usrg.
There are also several opportunities to get involved with service learning in the IMSE department this coming semester. I have an immediate opportunity to work with Mission Arlington on improving operations in their healthcare clinic. I also have a very exciting upcoming project involving developing a healthcare app for older adults. These opportunities would allow you to put your IE skills to use in some service environments as well as allow you to serve your community.
These are just a few opportunities. There are many, many more announced every week. These types of activities allow you to improve your resume, network with professionals from around the world, gain valuable experience, and give back to the community. All while improving your IE skills. If you have any questions about any of the specific activities I’ve mentioned or want to learn how to make yourself aware of other opportunities feel free to contact me. UTA IE undergrads, I challenge you to “Get Involved in 2014.” If I can give up Diet Coke you can do anything!
Written by
Dr. Bonnie Boardman
IMSE Faculty
The Values and Ventures competition is a really challenging opportunity which will set the creative juices to work! And, at the same time, it will provide great way to understand team dynamics.