Dozens of enterprise teams gathered in the Rozsa Center on Oct. 6 for Michigan Tech’s biannual Enterprise Day. This event provides students of all majors with the opportunity to explore multidisciplinary projects from different teams in the Enterprise Program, which provides students with real-world project experience.
More than 25 active Enterprise teams were showcased at this event where students could connect with peers and staff. Additionally, many of the enterprise teams highlighted opportunities to gain valuable experience before graduation.
Nagesh Hatti, Director of the Enterprise Program, said, “The Enterprise Day is an event that is by these Enterprise students, for the student.” When talking about their role in the process, Hatti said, “We at the Enterprise Program office provide an opportunity and facilitate the logistics … it’s the students talking about their teams to other students.”
Tom Mulder, a junior Mechanical Engineering student, has had the opportunity to develop his skills while in the Supermileage Systems Enterprise. Mulder talked about how he learned about carbon fiber manufacturing when creating the headrest for the team’s vehicle. This vehicle achieved third place in its class at the Shell Eco-marathon at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
“It’s a mix of a great culture … and also great experience,” Mulder said. “When it comes to applying for jobs [and] getting internships, companies really love to see it. I think that’s the blessing of the Enterprise Program here at Michigan Tech.”
The Enterprise Program continually evolves to meet the needs of the students. Hatti noted that the program is dynamic, adding two new teams this fall and sunsetting a team with low demand. “A lot of students come by and they say ‘[the] Enterprise Program changed my life,’” Hatti said. “The work that I do and the impact it has on the students makes me show up to work every day with a big smile.”
Students can still get involved even if they missed Enterprise Day. To learn more, Hatti encouraged students to visit the Enterprise website and read about the teams they are interested in.
