Student Spotlight: Erin McGinley
March 3, 2021 | By Angel Garcia
It didn't take Erin McGinley long to settle in at Georgia Tech, but it did take a year for her to settle on mechanical engineering as her major. In this Q&A with student assistant Angel Garcia the third year student from Tewksbury, Massachusetts talks about why she chose Georgia Tech, the process of switching majors, her internship experiences, and being part of the Goldrush Dance Team.
Why did you choose to come to Georgia Tech?
I chose Georgia Tech because it encompassed everything I was looking for during my college search. I fell in love with how the campus itself combines the atmosphere of sprawling greenery while still being constantly surrounded by the Atlanta skyline. I also loved how many organizations there were at Tech to get involved in, as well as the academic support there was in place to help students pursue research, internships, etc.
What was going through your head during your first year at Georgia Tech?
When I initially came to Georgia Tech, I was very nervous given that I knew no one on campus. I was worried about making new friends, living far away from home, and starting college classes. However, I soon discovered how easy I was able to adjust to being at Tech. There were so many opportunities to be involved on campus and I made so many friends within the first few weeks. By the end of my first semester, I knew I made the right choice coming to Georgia Tech.
What made you switch into mechanical engineering from electrical engineering?
After completing my first year as an electrical engineer, I knew that engineering was the right choice for me, however I wasn’t quite sure electrical was the route I wanted to take. I wanted the opportunity to explore all elements from different engineering disciplines, and mechanical engineering offered just that. After talking with my advisors and speaking with current ME students, I knew from these discussions that mechanical engineering was a better fit for me.
How did the process of switching your major go for you?
The process of switching my major was quite easy. Given that the core requirements for both electrical engineering and mechanical engineering were quite similar, I had already completed the necessary requirements to be eligible to make the switch. Once I knew I wanted to make that switch, both my mechanical and electrical engineering advisors were very supportive and helped make the transition as smooth as possible.
How was your initial experience with Greek life?
I have had a great experience with Greek life. I rushed the first semester of my freshman year and was able to quickly make friends within the first couple of weeks. I felt that being a member helped make the transition into life at Tech much easier, as I now had a network of incredible women there to support me in my endeavors and provide insight into what they learned through their experiences.
What opportunities and experiences have you had due to your involvement in Alpha Gamma Delta?
I’ve had plenty of new opportunities and experiences as a result of my involvement in Alpha Gam. Not only have I had the chance to be involved in some fun Greek events, such as Mock Rock and Greek Sing, but I’ve also had the amazing opportunity to be involved in significantly more volunteer work. In Alpha Gam, each sister is encouraged to pursue volunteer experiences during their time at Tech. As a result, I’ve had the incredible opportunity to volunteer my time with organizations that support the fight against hunger, whether it be Meals on Wheels or even Georgia Tech’s own Campus Kitchens. These experiences have been very fulfilling and enhanced my time as a student at Tech.
How was your first internship and your overall experience with it?
I very much enjoyed my first internship experience. I interned the summer following my first year in Lowell, Massachusetts at MACOM, a company that specializes in semiconductor devices. I was a design engineer intern and worked alongside engineers in their RF/Microwave business unit. Not only did I learn so much about the industry itself and the technical elements involved in the development of their products, but I also sharpened different professional skills, such as networking, project management, technical presenting and writing, and was able to carry these skills over into my work when I returned to school.
With your first internship what were some things that you wish you had known before going into it?
One thing that I wish I had known before going into my first internship was that you should not be afraid to ask a lot of questions. Having only completed my first year at Tech, I was nervous that I would have to know more than I actually did in order to thrive during my internship. However, I quickly learned that this wasn’t the case. My manager and coworkers were always there to help answer any questions and encouraged me to ask, even when I was too shy to do so. They were always eager to give me new assignments, and I took advantage of the opportunity to learn as much as possible while on the job.
With your second internship, was there anything that you did differently, and how did that experience compare to the first?
My second internship experience was during the summer following my second year, at Belmont Medical Technologies, a medical device company located near home in Billerica, Massachusetts. I was working as an intern with their R&D team to develop prototypes of new products and improve upon those currently on the market. This internship was very similar to the first in terms of how supportive my team was in helping me learn as much as possible, however it slightly differed in that I was now working in a new industry. I found myself taking a strong liking to medical devices and was very excited to apply the SolidWorks modeling skills I learned in ME 1770 to real-life projects.
When did you first join Goldrush and how has being a part of that team affected you?
Being a part of Goldrush has been one of the best experiences for me at Tech. Although I chose to audition at the beginning of my second year, the team immediately made me feel welcome on my first day. Despite membership being a big commitment (as we perform at football games, basketball games, team appearances, in addition to training to compete at NDA nationals in Daytona, FL), arriving every day to dance is always fun since I get to do so with my teammates. Despite not getting to compete our hip-hop and jazz nationals routines last year due to COVID, the team is even more excited and motivated this year as we prepare to compete in April 2021.
What do you look forward to doing in the future?
In the future at Tech, I look forward to pursuing more opportunities to further my academic career, whether it be research or internships. Following graduation, I’m even more excited to simply have the opportunity to pursue what I love to do and utilize my skills to have an impact and help make the world a better place.
Was there anyone who inspired you or acted as a mentor for you throughout your academic career so far?
I would say the person who has inspired me the most would actually be my mom. She sacrificed so much in order for me to be where I am today and has always offered incredible professional and personal advice when I needed it most. She has been so supportive of me pursuing my dreams, and I hope to one day follow in her footsteps.
In your time being here at Tech what’s the most important thing that you’ve learned?
The most important thing I have learned while being at Tech is to not be afraid of failure. Coming into Tech, I was nervous that if I didn’t perform well, I simply wasn’t capable of becoming an engineer. However, through my experience at Tech, I have discovered just as much through my struggles as I have my accomplishments. I’ve learned to take failure as an opportunity to learn and grow, both academically and personally, and became a stronger person in the process.
What do you like the most about mechanical engineering?
I like how broad the field is. My classes at Tech have allowed me to sample all aspects of engineering, such as circuits, computer science, physics, etc. Having the ability to learn elements from all engineering disciplines is fascinating to me, and I feel that my career path has broadened as a result of pursuing mechanical engineering.
What parts of Georgia Tech do you find unique and enjoy the most?
What I find unique to Georgia Tech is how supportive the student body is of one another. The environment here is far from competitive, and instead very much encourages students to work with one another to succeed. I’ve met so many incredible people, whether it was collaborating on a group project or forming a study group, and their support has motivated to me to do my best.
What advice would you give to someone new going to Georgia Tech?
My advice to is to have faith in yourself. As in any aspect of life, you’ll come across challenges during your time at Tech. Whether it’s not getting the grade you thought you got on a test or feeling that your project will never come to fruition, it’s important to remember that you deserve to be here and will overcome these challenges. If you need help, do not hesitate to reach out to those around you (friends, TAs, professors, etc.). Everyone at Tech wants you to succeed and is more than willing to help you do so.