Choosing the right major can be overwhelming, especially when you’re not entirely sure what direction you want to take your career. For Zalen Aqueron, an Engineering & Management (E&M) student from Farmingville, Long Island, Clarkson University offered the perfect balance of structure and flexibility. In this blog post, Zalen shares how the E&M program allowed her to explore her interests, build real-world experience, and ultimately find her path.
A Flexible Major with Global Perspective
Fact #1: Clarkson’s Engineering & Management program includes an international experience requirement, giving students a global perspective.
Zalen’s Experience: “During my junior year, I had the opportunity to study abroad in Singapore. This experience was eye-opening in so many ways. It pushed me far outside my comfort zone and gave me the chance to learn about different cultures, communication styles, and professional expectations. The experience helped shape my worldview and confirmed my passion for international business.”
Turning Innovation into Opportunity
Fact #2: All E&M students participate in a capstone course where they invent, prototype, and pitch a product.
Zalen’s Experience: “One of my favorite classes at Clarkson was EM 456, where we were tasked with coming up with a product idea and developing a prototype. My team created an entirely new product with real potential, and we’re now going through the process of filing a patent. It was incredibly rewarding to see an idea go from concept to something tangible, and it made me realize how much I love the innovation process.”
Support from Student Organizations
Fact #3: Clarkson’s Construction Engineering Management (CEM) department and SPEED teams help connect students with real industry experience.
Zalen’s Experience: “Through the Construction Management SPEED Team, I got hands-on experience in competitive project work, which helped me secure a summer internship with Whiting-Turner. That internship led to a full-time job offer after graduation. The support I received from the CEM department and faculty mentors played a big role in helping me feel prepared and confident going into the professional world.”
Getting Involved on Campus
Zalen is also active in the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE) and CEM. Being involved in student organizations has helped her meet peers with similar goals, expand her network, and make the most of her time at Clarkson.
“Being part of SHPE and the SPEED Team gave me a sense of community and opened up so many opportunities to grow as a leader.”
Final Thoughts
“The E&M program gave me room to grow and discover my interests while building a solid foundation in engineering and business. Clarkson provided the experiences, mentors, and support I needed to turn uncertainty into confidence.”
Why Choose Engineering & Management at Clarkson?
- Dual Focus in Engineering and Business
Gain a strong foundation in both technical and business disciplines—ideal for leadership roles in any industry. - Global Experience Requirement
Expand your perspective through international opportunities that prepare you to work across cultures and borders. - Innovation-Driven Capstone Projects
Take part in a senior capstone course where you invent, prototype, and pitch real-world product ideas—with support to pursue patents. - Hands-On Learning with SPEED Teams
Build industry-relevant experience by joining student teams that work on real construction, engineering, and management challenges. - Faculty Mentorship & Career Support
Learn from expert professors and professionals who help guide your academic and career journey—often leading to internships and job offers. - Leadership & Community Involvement
Get involved in student organizations like SHPE to grow your network, build leadership skills, and connect with peers who share your goals.
