2025 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Experiential Learning Activities: Building Grit and Driving Success Among Mechanical Engineering Graduates

Presented at ME Division 4: Broadening Participation and Building Resilience

Student engagement in Experiential Learning Activities (ELA) has been typically correlated with improved post-graduation outcomes. Our School categorizes ELA into four areas: global (e.g., study abroad), industrial (e.g., internships, co-ops), undergraduate research, and team projects. This study aimed to evaluate ELA participation and investigate the impact on post-graduation outcomes such as full-time employment and graduate school admissions. Additionally, a statistical analysis was conducted to assess the correlation between ELA participation and starting salary in industry placements. Our results show starting salaries increased with the number of ELA (i.e., students completing two or more ELA have higher salaries than those completing a single ELA). Students participating in undergraduate research were more than twice as likely to move on to graduate school than their peers. Students participating in industrial experiences were significantly more likely to have secured employment after graduation, and at a higher salary. This study provides key insights for curriculum development and institutional decision-making, demonstrating the value of prioritizing ELAs to enhance student success. The findings from the study support the argument for embedding experiential learning opportunities in mechanical engineering curricula to improve student preparedness and long-term career outcomes.

Authors

Dr. Francisco J Montalvo Purdue University [biography]

Francisco Montalvo is a Lecturer in the Design and Manufacturing area and the Assistant Director for Experiential Learning in the School of Mechanical Engineering at Purdue University. Francisco has contributed to experiential learning and diversity initiatives at Purdue University through project-based learning and international exchange programs. He co-led the Global Engineering Alliance for Research and Education (GEARE) program and is the co-founder of the Milestones micro-certification initiative, aimed at advancing hands-on, skills-based learning within the College of Engineering. In his current role, he teaches design courses and mentors industry-sponsored capstone projects while contributing to curricular development in the Design and Manufacturing area. With industry experience as a program manager for Siemens Professional Education in Germany, Francisco brings practical expertise and global awareness to his work.
Beth Hess Purdue University
Lexy Chiwete Arinze Purdue University at West Lafayette (COE) [biography]

Lexy Arinze is a first-generation PhD student in the School of Engineering Education at Purdue University and a Graduate Research Assistant with the Global Learning Initiatives for the Development of Engineers (GLIDE) research group. Lexy's research interests include early career engineers, Artificial Intelligence, experiential learning, and global experiences. He earned his master's degree in Civil Engineering from Purdue University. Before that, he received an Erasmus scholarship for an exchange program at the University of Jaén, Spain. He completed his undergraduate degree in Civil Engineering at the University of Ibadan, Nigeria.
Alanna Nash Purdue University at West Lafayette (COE)

Note

The full paper will be available to logged in and registered conference attendees once the conference starts on June 22, 2025, and to all visitors after the conference ends on June 25, 2025

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