September 4, 2024
By Keshav Pransukhka

What are some ways to meet a European leader? You could become a bureaucrat and make an official visit or become a sportsperson representing your country in European competitions. If none of these two ideas chime with you, you can do what Audrey Ball did.

Ball is a fifth-year mechanical engineering undergraduate student who, in partnership with GE Aerospace, interned for the Chancellery of the President of the Republic of Poland. She was part of a 20-student cohort that had the opportunity to discuss ideas with government officials, tour the country, and contribute to the technological advancement of this central European nation.

One of the best highlights of this program for Ball was meeting the president and secretary of the state of Poland, mayors and governors of different regions, and the stationed US troops in the country. She enjoyed getting a chance to connect with her heritage and culture in a more significant way and experiencing great technological developments firsthand. Sid Sutaria and Jonathan Gutknecht, both students at the Daniel Guggenheim School of Aerospace Engineering, also represented Georgia Tech with her.

In the two weeks she spent there, Ball visited the GE Aerospace Warsaw campus and engaged with industry executives to gain insights into current trends and discuss the industry's future direction. When not working, she got back in touch with her roots and explored the regions of Warsaw, Lubin, Rzeszów, and Warka. She visited museums and town squares. She also became proficient enough in Polish to hold a conversation while flying back.

Although a mechanical engineering major, she is the undergraduate lead researcher at Georgia Tech’s Exoskeleton and Prosthetics Intelligent Controls (EPIC) Lab, led by Associate Professor Aaron Young. The GE program was in the aerospace sector. Although these commitments might sound all over the place, she believes her varied interests set her apart. She is a member of Tau Beta Pi, the engineering honor society and likes to play soccer in her free time. She has developed different knowledge bases and perspectives that help her in her professional life. Being involved in various clubs and organizations has helped her discover her passion and network with people across sectors. Now, Ball is planning to pursue a master’s degree in biomedical engineering and wishes to work in the field of protective sports equipment. 

Ball emphasizes the importance of networking. “Don’t hesitate to reach out to new connections, especially those in fields you’re interested in pursuing. One of the most valuable lessons I've learned over the past few years is that many professionals are more than willing to offer advice and support to eager, passionate students. Building and leveraging your network, particularly through platforms like LinkedIn, can significantly shape your career path. By taking the initiative to connect with others, you open doors to opportunities and insights that can guide you toward your goals,” she added.

She advises her peers to use the resources on campus. If not for the weekly mechanical engineering newsletter, she would not have come across the program in the first place. She suggests leveraging Georgia Tech’s strong industry connections and distinguished alumni network. She also recommends visiting the career center regularly for resume review and interview practice.

Ball likes to study on the first floor of Price Gilbert Library. Thus, if none of her previous advice resonates with you, you can spot her in the library for more tips on excelling at Tech and beyond.