Engineering offers a world of endless possibilities, and the direction you choose to pursue will shape your future in exciting ways.
At RIT, you won’t be limited to a specific engineering path—our programs allow you to explore your passions and tailor your studies to your unique strengths. Whether you're motivated by solving complex problems, mastering emerging technologies, conducting groundbreaking research, improving lives, or driving innovation, we provide the support and tools to help you identify your ideal track. By understanding these characteristics, you can better navigate your journey, decide which engineering discipline to pursue, and begin crafting your career. Here’s a closer look at five key traits that can help guide you toward the right fit at RIT.
The Problem Solver
If you’re someone who thrives on solving specific problems and completing projects with clear outcomes, you may be a Problem Solver. Problem Solvers are energized by tackling projects with deadlines and tangible solutions. They get things done and are highly valued by companies. Alexandra Ciesielka, a computer engineering major, is a great example of a Problem Solver who is passionate about technology and its potential to make a difference. Currently, she is working on a project to help self-driving cars detect objects and understand their surroundings more accurately by using detailed 3D data from a virtual driving simulator. This improvement is crucial for ensuring that autonomous vehicles can navigate safely and make better decisions on the road. Alexandra enjoys taking on challenging problems and creating solutions that directly contribute to the field of machine learning. She says, “Pursuing this field as a woman in STEM allows me to contribute to a more inclusive industry and make a positive impact on the world.”
Alexandra Ciesielka ’26
The Tech Enthusiast
If you find yourself deeply passionate about a specific technology or application, you may be a Tech Enthusiast. Tech Enthusiasts are motivated by mastering a particular field, often diving deep into one area of expertise. Anakin Schneider, a mechanical engineering major, is a prime example. Combining his love of technology with his interest in the theme park industry, Anakin has gained hands-on experience in designing and building roller coasters. He recently competed in an attraction design challenge in which he received commendations for creative skills and technical innovation for his mechanical design of a brand new ride. His involvement in the Theme Park Enthusiasts club and projects like the Toronto Metropolitan University Thrill Design Invitational and the Ride Engineering Competition shows how being a Tech Enthusiast can lead to expertise in a specialized field.
Anakin Scheider ’25
The Researcher
If you’re driven by learning and discovering new ideas, you may be a Researcher. Researchers are motivated by the pursuit of knowledge and enjoy working on abstract concepts that may one day change the way we think about the world. Janessa Terry, a biomedical engineering major, conducts research in the Respiratory Technologies Lab, where she works on mechanical models of the human respiratory system. Janessa has co-oped with Regeneron Pharmaceuticals twice, gaining valuable experience in the pharmaceutical industry. She’s excited about contributing research that could improve patient outcomes, particularly in the field of toxicology studies. If you're interested in a career in academia, pursuing a Ph.D., or innovating and exploring new ideas, becoming a Researcher could be a great fit for you.
Janessa Terry ’26
The Humanitarian
If your passion lies in helping others and improving lives, you may be a Humanitarian. Humanitarians use their engineering skills to make a difference in the world, often focusing on health care, sustainability, and social good. Isabella Sanchez, a biomedical engineering major, is already using her skills to help others. Isabella participated in a study abroad program in Guatemala, where she worked to repair medical equipment and train hospital staff. She’s passionate about tissue engineering and hopes to pursue a Ph.D. to work on developing solutions for organ replacement and pharmaceutical testing. For those motivated by a desire to improve the world, being a Humanitarian offers the opportunity to combine engineering with social impact.
Isabella Sanchez ’27
The Entrepreneur
Finally, if you have a creative and entrepreneurial mindset, you may be an Entrepreneur. Entrepreneurs are driven by innovation and the desire to create new products or businesses. Braley Lachner, an electrical engineering major at RIT, is an example of an entrepreneur in the making. He’s passionate about space exploration and has worked on projects related to increasing access to space transportation. Braley is a member of the SPEX Space Exploration CubeSat Team and is involved with the Simone Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship. His current project is developing a compact guitar valve preamp that takes the classic, rich sound of tube amplifiers, which are usually big and bulky, and makes them small and portable. This allows musicians to enjoy great sound without the hassle of carrying heavy equipment. Braley also takes full advantage of RIT's robust entrepreneurship ecosystem that helps support entrepreneurial pursuits, like the Business Model Competition, Venture Creations, and a minor in entrepreneurship.
Braley Lachner ’25
Exploring these types of engineering pathways can help you determine the direction you want to pursue in your academic journey. Whether you're a Problem Solver, Tech Enthusiast, Researcher, Humanitarian, or Entrepreneur, each path offers unique opportunities to make a meaningful impact in the engineering discipline that inspires you most. At RIT, you'll have the opportunity to explore these paths further, gaining the knowledge, skills, and hands-on experience needed to turn your passion into a successful and impactful engineering career.