Mechanical Engineering Student Tyler Clayton '22 Interns with R.T. Patterson & Co., Inc. Student Profile

Update, 2023: Tyler is now employed by R.T. Patterson & Co., Inc. as a mechanical engineer. 

Describe your internship and what you enjoy about it. 

I enjoy working to help solve real-world problems. This internship is very hands-on and focused on experiential learning. I am always busy working on current engineering projects for real clients of R.T. Patterson. I am learning how to actually use what I learned in my classes at Point Park.

How has Point Park helped prepare you for this experience?

My Point Park education has definitely helped prepare me for the real world. I am especially thankful for the senior capstone course that is built into the mechanical engineering degree requirements. Every part of that course is relevant to the tasks I am doing in the real world. Point Park also prepared me to successfully pass my state Fundamentals of Engineering exam on my first attempt.

In what ways do you think this internship will help you with your career goals?

This internship allows me to see how the engineering field works day to day so that I know what to expect when I graduate. This internship will also be a valuable addition to my resume. My sincere hope is that this internship will turn into an employment opportunity upon graduation, as I have really enjoyed the workplace and people at R.T. Patterson.

What makes Point Park's mechanical engineering program distinctive from other universities?

The small class sizes make a huge difference. Most large programs are ABET-accredited, but you get lost in a sea of 200-300 students in a class, and your questions are not answered on an individual basis. At Point Park, you receive the necessary education and ABET accreditation with your degree while still getting the one-on-one help and attention you need to excel. 

Are there any specific faculty members who have had a positive impact on you?

I am thankful for many of my professors in the mechanical engineering program. I would like to give credit especially to Donald Keller, Ph.D., P.E., for creating a very realistic senior capstone course. Aram Parsa, Ph.D., Robert Draper, M.S., and Gregg Johnson, Ph.D., are very knowledgeable and helpful as well.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

I recommend Point Park's mechanical engineering program due to its small class sizes, ABET accreditation and knowledgeable faculty. I have very much enjoyed my time at Point Park, and I am very thankful for the valuable skills I have learned. Beyond the professors, the University staff, such as in Office of Financial Aid, have all been excellent. 

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