Sophomore Jash Pola’s journey at Purdue University has been defined by exploration and personal growth. His passion for engineering began in childhood, evolving when he built his own gaming computer in ninth grade. Initially drawn to problem-solving, this hands-on experience solidified his career path. Pola was previously featured in the OPP 2023-2024 Annual Report (pg. 27) for his early engagement in professional development. Now, after two industry experiences that have strengthened his technical skills and real-world problem-solving abilities, Pola is eager to continue pushing the boundaries of his engineering career.

Pola’s engagement with the Office of Professional Practice (OPP) has played a crucial role in shaping his academic and career trajectory. Through OPP programs such as ENGR 103: Intro to Professional Development, ENGR 103: Changing the World with Chips, and the ENGR 103: Silicon Valley & the Tech Industry Study Away program, he refined his resume, elevator pitch, and networking skills, preparing him for job fairs and career events. These experiences helped him strategically plan his academic journey and gain valuable industry exposure, ultimately securing positions in both the Summer Training on Awareness and Readiness for Semiconductors (STARS) program and as a co-op at GE Appliances.

Pola (left) visited Apple Park and other top companies during the ENGR 103: Silicon Valley & the Tech Industry study away program organized by the Office of Professional Practice.

In the summer of 2024, Pola participated in the STARS program, where he collaborated with a team to design and validate a chip for running the Snake Game, deepening his understanding of semiconductor design. Through this experience, he developed and integrated multiple modules, analyzed submodules using timing diagrams, and optimized the chip layout. His work culminated in technical presentations and demonstrations, reinforcing his skills in digital design, problem-solving, and collaboration.

From August to December 2024, Pola completed his first co-op rotation as an Electrical Engineering Co-op at GE Appliances in Louisville, Kentucky. His experience provided insights into the industry and practical applications of his field.

“Overall, my first rotation at GE Appliances was interesting. I learned a lot about the different projects that electrical engineers work on in the real world,” Pola said. “Some projects I worked on included tuning a user interface for a range to ensure responsiveness, fixing issues in software testing equipment, driving an LED matrix to measure PCB characteristics, and participating in the Co-op Design Challenge.”

The Co-op Design Challenge is an 11-week prototyping initiative where teams of co-ops collaborate on appliance-related projects. Throughout the challenge, participants brainstorm creative solutions, develop prototypes, and present their final work to judges and colleagues across GE Appliances.

As part of the challenge, Pola focused on embedded systems and optics while also taking on a leadership role as co-chair of the Co-op Communications Committee. “In this role, I oversaw the design, sale, and distribution of co-op merchandise,” he explained.

Pola’s team was awarded the Edison Award, a recognition given by judges for outstanding technical skill and project execution.

Pola (center) pictured with his Co-op Design Challenge team after receiving the Edison Award for their work.

Pola found that applying electrical engineering principles in a hands-on environment was a great fit for him. “I enjoy the problem-solving that comes with electrical engineering,” he said. However, the transition to real-world engineering work was not without challenges. “For some of the projects, I had no clue how to best address them. To overcome this, I would research the problem and try to get to a solution on my own. If that failed, I would then ask for advice from another engineer.”

Mentorship played a crucial role in Pola’s growth during the co-op. “There were many mentors and colleagues who positively impacted my experience. My assignment leader and the entire Range Electronics Team helped me develop technical skills. Additionally, my mentor, who is part of the Edison Engineering Development Program, was very helpful.”

Reflecting on his professional development, Pola credited Purdue’s ENGR 103 course for preparing him for workplace communication. “This was my first co-op experience, so I hadn’t had experience with communication in the professional world. The ENGR 103: Intro To Professional Development, through elevator pitches and other forms of communication, helped me learn more about how this type of communication worked,” he said. “Additionally, the Silicon Valley experience helped me refine how I talk about myself and my skills.”

The co-op experience also sharpened Pola’s networking abilities. “There were many events where co-ops could network with each other and with senior engineers, which was a great opportunity to hone my networking skills,” he said.

One of the biggest lessons Pola learned was the importance of embracing mistakes. “I remember in the first few weeks, I hesitated to pursue solutions because I was afraid of causing issues or wasting time. Eventually, my assignment leader encouraged me to start ‘messing around’ and not be scared to make mistakes. My outcomes improved as a result of this mindset shift.”

Pola (second from left) with other co-op students at GE Appliances in Louisville, KY.

In addition to his STARS internship last summer, which deepened his understanding of semiconductor design, Pola has solidified his interest in the rapidly growing semiconductor industry and will be joining SanDisk as a Memory Design Intern. In this role, he will be part of the Product Design Engineering Department, further expanding his expertise and gaining hands-on experience in memory technology.

For students considering a similar path, Pola offers this advice, “Focus on extracurriculars and developing your technical skills. These are things employers look for. Working on side projects can help hone your skills, and practicing your elevator pitch and refining your resume is beneficial. Finally, being able to network will be key in securing opportunities.”

Story by: Margaret Mowrer