Lukas Struppe ’21 recently began his career in Milan, Italy, working as a Recruitment Resourcer for a company called Bending Spoons, a mobile applications development company. He is a graduate of the College of Engineering, Technology, and Architecture with a degree in mechanical engineering. Struppe's success in landing this position was due in part to his ability to lean learn applicable hands-on skills in his field, but also gaining valuable people skills, which allowed him to be a strong professional fit for his new role at Bending Spoons.
Struppe’s academic program encompassed the key aspects of engineering that deal with the application of mechanics to the design of machines. UHart students who choose to study in this field can pursue careers in industries such as automotive, aerospace, or power generation, as well as those focused on noise control, mechatronics, and biomedical applications.
Part of UHart’s mechanical engineering curriculum encourages students to complete an internship. Struppe took advantage of this and landed a management internship at Collins Aerospace on their FlightSense team. He says, “I had such an incredible experience.” The internship provided valuable real-life experience and allowed Struppe to demonstrate the skills he had learned in the classroom.
When it came time for graduation and the search for a permanent professional position, Struppe says, “I was looking through LinkedIn trying to figure out what I wanted to do after I graduate and I found this job application and decided to apply. Little did I know I would end up making it through the selection process, and becoming part of an incredible team,” says Struppe. He adds that he “had some amazing friends and faculty that continuously supported me through this long application process.”
Outside the classroom, Struppe was involved in many student leadership organizations on campus, including the Red Keys and helping at events for potential UHart students. Red Keys help new students and their parents learn about life at the University of Hartford. This involvement helped develop Struppe’s people skills, which he will be able to apply as a member of the team at Bending Spoons.
What advice does Struppe have for incoming students? He encourages new students to “talk to one new person every day.” He believes “people are the most invaluable resource you will ever have. Creating new connections will not only help build your network but also grow and build you as a person.”
Lukas Struppe ’21, mechanical engineeringTalk to one new person every day. People are the most invaluable resource you will ever have. Creating new connections will not only help build your network, but also grow and build you as a person.