Career fair leads to five interviews, two offers for mechanical engineering student

DETROIT (Feb. 11, 2014) - Jeffrey Meng, a Wayne State University College of Engineering mechanical engineering master's student, has his sights set on a career in the automotive industry. He hopes to become a well-equipped engineer who both works with his hands and takes part in the design process.

	Jeffrey Meng

"My dream job would be testing cars to make sure they withstand everything they are meant to," Meng says. "I would like to evaluate the data and make acquisitions on how to solve problems."

Thanks to his hard work, involvement in co-curricular activities and a visit to the college's annual career fair, the Brighton, Mich. native is well on his way to making his dream a reality.

As a result of the fall 2013 career fair, Meng yielded five interviews and two job offers. He accepted a co-op position with Denso, a leading supplier of advanced automotive technology, systems and components for major automakers.

"I will be working with the powertrain engineering team," Meng said. "I'm thrilled for the opportunity and look forward to contributing to the team."

According to Marcis Jansons, assistant professor of mechanical engineering and co-faculty advisor for Wayne State's Formula SAE (FSAE) team, Meng's FSAE experience and fresh perspective will benefit Denso.

"Jeff is a model student and a fine representative of current COE graduates," says Jansons. "Not only has he been taught the theoretical fundamentals found in a classic engineering curriculum, but he has also benefited from intensive experience in co-curricular activities, where he has acquired the important soft skills required for success in today's interconnected global marketplace. Add hands-on skills in fabrication and competence in software design tools to that, and you have an individual of tremendous value to an employer."

Seconds Meng, "FSAE has taught me many things. From using CAD to designing parts to effectively and efficiently managing a team, I feel much more equipped to positively contribute to my employer's bottom line. My involvement with FSAE also has provided me with additional motivation in my classes and great friendships that will no doubt last well beyond graduation."

Meng, who says he's eager to work and attend school simultaneously, earned his bachelor's in applied mathematics from Eastern Michigan University. He anticipates graduating from Wayne State with his master's in 2016.

The Wayne State College of Engineering established its Five Pillars of Student Success to ensure its students gain experience, knowledge and background needed to excel upon graduation. The college is committed to providing students with opportunities for experiential learning through co-ops and internships, hands-on learning, scholarships, and undergraduate research, as well as with opportunities to gain the global perspective that employers love.

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Wayne State University is a premier urban research institution of higher education offering 370 academic programs through 13 schools and colleges to nearly 28,000 students. For more information about engineering at Wayne State University, visit engineering.wayne.edu.