Tag: students

Why Join an Enterprise Team? Hear from Michigan Tech Students

The Enterprise Program at Michigan Tech is more than just a hands-on learning experience—it’s a game-changer for students looking to develop real-world skills, build strong industry connections, and gain a competitive edge in their careers. But don’t just take our word for it—hear from current Enterprise students about why they joined, what they’ve learned, and how the program has shaped their future.

Enterprise students embody innovation, collaboration, and Husky pride.

Join Early, Learn More

Many students emphasize the importance of joining Enterprise as soon as possible to get the most out of the experience. Ezra Crandell from the Aerospace Enterprise shared,
“The main piece of advice I wish I had been given as a young student is to join an Enterprise sooner rather than later. My first year was spent getting up to speed—if I had joined even one semester earlier, I would have had that much more time to contribute to my team.”

Real-World Skills & Career Boost

Enterprise teams provide opportunities to apply classroom knowledge to real engineering challenges. Students work on real projects, develop leadership skills, and gain experience that translates directly into job opportunities.

Sean Bennink, also from the Aerospace Enterprise, highlighted how the program helped him land a job in the space industry:
“I gained space systems engineering and leadership skills while learning how subsystems work together to create a satellite. This technical knowledge gave me a huge advantage when applying for jobs.”

Similarly, Emily Breton of Consumer Products Manufacturing (CPM) found the experience invaluable:
“I’ve gained leadership and project management skills that directly contributed to landing my co-op. Future members should embrace every opportunity to learn and collaborate—these experiences are gold.”

Hands-On Experience Unlike Any Other

Many students choose Enterprise for its hands-on, applied learning approach. Blizzard Baja’s Izzy Cloose describes it best:
“In what engineering class do you machine spare parts, design new components, and flip the car in a race all in a single week? Baja is special because it combines applied engineering and real, gritty racing.”

Phillip Phan from Formula SAE echoed this sentiment:
“Formula SAE gives students hands-on experience that applies directly to the automotive industry. Seeing the car running and driving is the most rewarding feeling.”

Enterprise students know how to work hard—and have fun doing it!

A Supportive Community

Enterprise teams foster strong friendships and professional networks that last far beyond graduation. Trenton Hoard from Supermileage Systems Enterprise reflected,
“Before I joined, I thought this would be a good way to get job experience, but now I’ve gotten close with the team and consider them some of my closest friends here at Tech.”

The Best Way to Prepare for the Future

Ultimately, Enterprise is about more than just projects—it’s about preparing for life after college. Whether it’s developing confidence in leadership roles, working on innovative designs, or networking with industry professionals, students walk away with skills and experiences that set them apart.

As Brendan Marshall from Wireless Communication Enterprise (WCE) puts it,
“Enterprise is the closest thing you can get to work experience during college, and it is the best way to learn and grow as a student.”

Ready to Join?

No matter your major or career goals, there’s an Enterprise team at Michigan Tech that can help you build real-world experience, gain valuable skills, and make lifelong connections. The sooner you get involved, the more you’ll gain—so don’t wait! Explore the different Enterprise teams today and take the first step toward an exciting and rewarding experience.

Second Annual Enterprise Awards Now Accepting Nominations

The Enterprise Program Office and the Enterprise Student Advisory Board are pleased to announce the second annual Enterprise Awards. The Enterprise Awards were developed to acknowledge and celebrate the efforts and accomplishments of Enterprise students, faculty, staff, and sponsors in the following categories:

Student Awards

  • Outstanding Leadership
  • Rookie Award
  • Innovative Solutions Award
  • Industry/Sponsor Relations

Faculty/Staff/Sponsor Awards

  • Outstanding Enterprise Advisor
  • Outstanding Sponsor
  • Behind the Scenes
  • Module Master

More detailed descriptions of the awards, as well as eligibility criteria, can be found here.

Enterprise students, advisors, faculty and staff can nominate deserving candidates by submitting this nomination form. Nominations must be submitted by 5pm on Friday, March 29. Nominators may collect up to three letters of support from others to strengthen their nomination. Each support letter should be no longer than one page, single-spaced. Student nominees must be currently enrolled in the Enterprise Program in order to be considered for an award.

An awards committee comprised of faculty and staff involved in the Enterprise Program will review nominations and select winners based on how well they support the given award criteria. Award recipients will receive a framed award certificate, lapel pin, and $100 cash prize (sponsors will receive a University memento in lieu of cash). All nominees will be recognized, and awards will be presented at the conclusion of the Design Expo on April 18, 2019 at 3:15pm in the MUB Ballroom.

If you have any questions about the awards or the nomination process, please contact Rick Berkey (722 M&M, rjberkey@mtu.edu, 906-487-4309).

First Annual Enterprise Award Winners Announced

EnterprisePinVer2

The Enterprise Program Office and the Enterprise Student Advisory Board are pleased to announce the first annual Enterprise Award winners. The Enterprise Awards were developed to acknowledge and celebrate the efforts and accomplishments of Enterprise students, faculty, staff, and sponsors.

Student Awards:
Outstanding Leadership: Tyler Miller, Supermileage Systems
Rookie Award: Ian Johnson, Advanced Metalworks Enterprise
Innovative Solutions: Rebecca Phipps, Consumer Product Manufacturing
Industry/Sponsor Relations: Team Oshkosh, Blue Marble Security

Faculty/Staff/Sponsor Awards:
Outstanding Enterprise Advisor: Tony Rogers, Consumer Product Manufacturing
Outstanding Sponsor: David Blondheim, Mercury Marine
Behind the Scenes: Jon Lund, Machine Shop Attendant, Mechanical Engineering-Engineering Mechanics
An awards committee comprised of faculty and staff involved in the Enterprise Program reviewed nominations and selected winners based on how well they supported the given award criteria. Award recipients received a framed award certificate, lapel pin, and $100 cash prize (sponsors received a University memento in lieu of cash). Award winners, as well as nominees, were announced and presented at the conclusion of the Design Expo last Thursday, April 19.
Congratulations to all of the winners of our first annual Enterprise Awards!

First Annual Enterprise Awards Now Accepting Nominations

EnterprisePinVer2

The Enterprise Program Office and the Enterprise Student Advisory Board are pleased to announce the first annual Enterprise Awards. The Enterprise Awards were developed to acknowledge and celebrate the efforts and accomplishments of Enterprise students, faculty, staff, and sponsors in the following categories:

Student Awards

  • Outstanding Leadership
  • Rookie Award
  • Innovative Solutions Award
  • Industry/Sponsor Relations

Faculty/Staff/Sponsor Awards

  • Outstanding Enterprise Advisor
  • Outstanding Sponsor
  • Behind the Scenes
  • Module Master

More detailed descriptions of the awards, as well as eligibility criteria, can be found here.

Enterprise students, advisors, faculty and staff can nominate deserving candidates by submitting this nomination form. Nominations must be submitted by 5pm on Friday, March 30. Nominators may collect up to three letters of support from others to strengthen their nomination. Each support letter should be no longer than one page, single-spaced. Student nominees must be currently enrolled in the Enterprise Program in order to be considered for an award.

An awards committee comprised of faculty and staff involved in the Enterprise Program will review nominations and select winners based on how well they support the given award criteria. Award recipients will receive a framed award certificate, lapel pin, and $100 cash prize (sponsors will receive a University memento in lieu of cash). All nominees will be recognized, and awards will be presented at the conclusion of the Design Expo on April 19, 2018 at 3:15pm in the MUB Ballroom.

If you have any questions about the awards or the nomination process, please contact Rick Berkey (722 M&M, rjberkey@mtu.edu, 906-487-4309).