Noah Magnuson

Major: Mechanical Engineering

Hometown: Klamath Falls, OR

Why did you choose Oregon Tech?

Because my soon-to-be wife had decided to come here to go to school, I didn’t hesitate to relocate and find work in Klamath Falls. After three years of steady employment, I decided that the opportunity was here, and we had saved enough money, to get myself back into school. Oregon Tech had a good reputation as an engineering school, so it was a no-brainer at that point.

What do you like best about your major?

Mechanical engineering allows for such a diverse range of employment opportunities. Nearly everything produced either had mechanical engineers working on it directly, or working on the equipment to manufacture it. You can do anything from working on spacecraft to figuring out how to get potato chips into a bag.

What clubs or activities are you involved with?

I have been an ASME member since I started, but mostly I enjoy the informal group problem-solving situations that engineering students find themselves in. I have always made myself available to help my fellow students. Additionally, practicing Falun Gong has given me the focus and clarity to excel in a difficult program.

What career do you hope to have after you graduate from Oregon Tech?

I have no specific industry in mind, but I do enjoy a variety of work, so I hope to find a position where I can be involved in design and development of lots of different products/systems. I will probably be looking for a small to medium-sized company where it isn’t as easy to get overlooked.

Do you have any advice for incoming students?

First, figure out if and why you even want to be in college. It is very hard to be motivated when you don’t know why you are there. Second, stay organized. A few hours prep can make scheduling a breeze and give you a clear view of how far off the goal is. Finally, tough it out. There is a point where you will see light at the end of the tunnel—a good feeling.