David Michaud M’25 is on track to complete the E2M program in pursuit of both his MBA and MEng with a concentration in manufacturing this May.
He chose this program because it was a great opportunity to expand his understanding of the business and management fields that he was not exposed to as much during his undergraduate studies, while also strengthening the skills he learned in mechanical engineering.
David says what he has enjoyed most about the UHart experience has been the relationship between students and faculty—and the emphasis on not simply taking a course because it is required, but truly absorbing the material and enhancing your critical thinking skills along the way.
He has worked at Belcan Engineering, supporting Pratt and Whitney, as a structural analysis engineer since he graduated with his undergraduate degree two years ago. In this role, David creates finite element analysis models to predict stress and displacements due to load sets. “I am hoping that achieving these two degrees will help advance my career and aid in more exposure to leadership opportunities,” he says.
“I enjoy the challenges that engineering offers and the field I am in is constantly advancing with so many moving parts that need to function as a cohesive unit. Every project is something new that needs to be analyzed in unique ways.”
David says that UHart has prepared him for career development by showing him the importance of critical thinking and not taking the easy way out when solving a problem. He says he was exposed to research and proper analysis techniques that are critical for his career development, saying he learned that “being able to handle a situation or solve a problem in a timely and accurate manner heavily relies on the ability to analyze what needs to be done in order to find a solution or path forward.”
CETA has helped David in various ways, such as different approaches to solving problems. Being in a dual-degree program and presenting his work to both engineers and business people has taught him how to demonstrate his findings and work with people of different backgrounds and skill sets. “It is very easy to use a formula and report an output, but understanding the different inputs, and why they are being used, helped me better convey information to someone who might not have the best comprehension as to what analysis has been done.” David explains. CETA emphasizes this ideology through research papers as well as professional lab reports for final projects.
David admits that finding the balance between school, work, friends, and family was challenging at first, but over time he was able to find that balance, which increased his enjoyment of life and everything it had to offer. Outside of school, David enjoys hanging out with friends and family. He is excited to plan a few trips once he graduates.
David Michaud M’25, Barney School of Business and College of Engineering, Technology, and ArchitectureI am hoping that achieving these two degrees will help advance my career and aid in more exposure to leadership opportunities.