Hello! My name is Andrew Mueller, and I’m a first-year engineering student at the University of Pittsburgh, majoring in engineering and a minor in materials science. At the conclusion of this semester, I’ll have completed the necessary classes to officially advance into the Swanson School of Engineering’s Mechanical & Materials Science Department. I’m eager to take this academic step to continue practicing mechanical engineering concepts and ideas.
This coming summer, I’m excited to resume my position as a machine shop assistant in Carnegie Mellon University’s Robotics Institute, where I plan to build upon my existing knowledge of engineering through applied design and manufacturing. In addition, I will begin applying for future internship and co-op opportunities with local manufacturing firms, where I hope to gain further industry experience prior to completing my degree at Pitt.
I selected the PLUS3 Program in Germany because of the almost complete overlap between the program and my interests and goals. The itinerary for this session includes visits to German automotive manufacturing firms at different points along the supply chain, culminating in a tour at an Audi assembly line. Each locations offers significant insight into manufacturing from the world-renown German perspective: the gold standard of engineering quality. I believe that familiarity with this perspective will be highly beneficial in my future, allowing me to apply the world’s best practices in my academic and professional work.
Professional development aside, other factors influenced my decision in selecting Germany. Large portions of my family originate in Germany, specifically Bavaria, where we will spend most of our time in the country. While a lot has changed in the many generations my family lived stateside, I’m still very interested to visit my place of origin, and to compare living in Germany to Pittsburgh. In addition, I’m especially drawn by Germany’s rich car culture. With an interest in cars and auto racing myself, I’m eager to experience a culture that takes pride in their automotive achievements and freedom, more so than even the U.S.
By this time next month, I will be completely immersed in German culture, engineering, cars, everything! It can’t get here any sooner!
Andrew Mueller
