Joshua Lawrence
Graduation year: 2022
High school: Bettendorf High School
Hometown: Bettendorf, Iowa
Major: Engineering physics
Minor: Data analytics
Activities: 365体育投注_365体育备用网址@ Physics & Engineering Society (senior mentor)
Internships: John Deere; Eaton Corporation; Solar Plastics
Post-grad plans: Working full-time at CaptiveAire Systems as a rotational engineer
Why 365体育投注_365体育备用网址@?
I came to 365体育投注_365体育备用网址@ because I knew I wanted to do engineering. My mom used to work here, and I grew up around campus and enjoyed being here, which was a big reason why I transferred. I knew this area had a lot of opportunities regarding engineering positions as well, so it just felt right to go here.
Are you where you thought you'd be when you first came to campus?
Not even close. I never thought I would be able to do three internships during a full engineering schedule. Also, achieving multiple job offers was something I never thought I could do. Seeing how much I have grown during my time here has been incredible. I've gone through many ups and downs here and accomplished things that I thought were unimaginable.
Who helped you get to where you are now?
I couldn't have gotten to where I am today without the support of my classmates and professors. Without my classmates' help, primarily through the COVID times, I would have struggled immensely more.
Also, my professors were always there for help and advice each day regarding classwork or just life advice. They helped me get my first internship, a tremendous achievement that started my working career.
Peak experience?
I would have to say my internship experience at Eaton Corporation, formerly known as Cobham Mission Systems in Davenport.
I worked as a manufacturing engineering intern in the air-to-air refueling production zone for our Boeing and Lockheed Martin planes/jets. Being in the aerospace industry and manufacturing life-saving equipment for our military was an incredible achievement and has been my dream. Achieving this dream at 21 years old is beyond belief.
What surprised you?
The most surprising part has been the relationships, experiences and connections I have made or developed. I am so grateful for meeting some of the people I did along this journey. The support and help they have given have pushed me and gotten me to the point where I am today. I have met some incredible people from all around the globe.
How did you use your Augie Choice?
I used my Augie Choice for my first internship.
What will you miss the most?
I will miss the people the most. The support from this school, the professors and classmates is remarkable. It will be a significant loss when graduating.
Advice for the Class of 2026?
Learn to be comfortable in uncomfortable situations. Take risks during your time here. And never be afraid to ask questions when you don't know something. Always remember — if you can imagine it, you can achieve it.
"Josh has grown so much in three years. (He was a transfer student!) He was still figuring things out when he arrived, and now he's done three engineering internships, interviewed with a number of corporations, and has had to decide between multiple job offers. He's really developed his engineering talent and is being rewarded for that hard work."