Engineering is one of those fields people talk about with equal parts excitement and fear. To understand what the experience really feels like beyond the stereotypes, I spoke with Anwisha Mehta, a sophomore computer engineering student at Binghamton University. She came here after completing the IB diploma, and her perspective gives a real sense of what life in engineering actually looks like, both in and outside the classroom.
Why Engineering & Binghamton?
Her interest started long before she knew what circuits or coding were.
“I always liked making things. Even though I love art, it is surprisingly similar to engineering because you start with an idea, sketch it out, make choices, and follow a process. I am drawn to that structure. That is what pushed me toward engineering and eventually computer engineering.”
High school confirmed it for her. Design, structure, and problem-solving were the places where she felt most at home.
There was no dramatic story behind her decision to attend Binghamton University, just confidence in the university’s reputation.
“I knew Binghamton was a good school. I had heard about the academic rigor and how strong the engineering programs are. And knowing that Sir Stanley Whittingham, the Nobel Prize winning chemist behind the lithium battery concept, is a professor here made it even more impressive.”
For her, it felt like a place where real innovation happens.
Did International Baccalaureate Help?
Surprisingly, yes.
“IB had so much writing. Research papers, analysis, reflections. In engineering you still have to write, even if it is small assignments. IB made it less intimidating. Without that background I would be pretty lost.”
The content is different, but the discipline carried over.
How She Chose Computer Engineering
Like many first years, she initially thought all engineering majors overlapped.
“They really are not. Mechanical and electrical felt abstract until I looked at the course lists. Computer engineering ended up being the bridge between the two because it mixes hardware and software. And I like following steps that lead to something tangible. CE gives me that.”
Looking at the coursework and speaking to upperclassmen helped her understand the real differences.
Advice for Undecided Students
“Look at the course structure. It tells you everything. Electrical is circuits and boards. Mechanical is statics and physical systems. Talking to students in each major helps too. An EE, ME, and BME student will each describe completely different experiences.”
Understanding what you will actually learn makes the decision much easier.
A Week in the Life
Her week follows a steady rhythm.
“I usually have two labs a week, and each lab comes with two or three lectures. Then homework assignments on different online platforms. The content changes but the structure stays the same.”
Engineering is demanding but very organized.
The Semester That Hit Hard
This semester (sophomore) was a turning point.
“It is my first programming class ever. Half the class had no experience, which helped, but the other half did, which was intimidating. I also took a higher level math class that humbled me. It made me realize that major specific classes are a whole new level.”
The shift from general engineering to computer engineering was a wake up call.
Professors and TAs can make a big difference.
“They are supportive, but every section is different. Your friend in another section might be having the best time while you are struggling. TA hours are honestly the most helpful. They can show you everything.”
Extra credit always helps too and students appreciate it.
She relies on several key supports. Watson Advising, which she visits often. TA hours, which she calls the most helpful resource along with tutoring.
Clubs and organizations are also powerful, since provide experience and exposure even if they do not help with coursework directly.
The resource most students overlook is early involvement in engineering organizations. Those communities help more than people realize.
“The engineering community is approachable. The women in engineering groups are incredibly supportive. Reaching out opens so many doors. Once I found people who took the same classes, I stopped feeling behind.”
She recently joined a professional engineering sorority, which helped her feel more grounded and confident.
“It is realistic to be involved and succeed academically. It is not realistic to join four clubs, hold four positions, and manage engineering classes at the same time.”
Balance makes involvement sustainable.
Internships & Pressure
Start early but stay realistic.
“The first year is a good time to start applying, but do not expect too much. Rejections are not personal. Companies look for specific things, and sometimes you just do not match yet. Focus on opportunities that align with your major. Random experiences do not help.”
Intentional experience matters more than volume.
“A little pressure is good. Too much is not. One bad grade or even failing a class will not ruin your future.”
In engineering, experience and portfolios matter as much as grades.
“Your resume gets you through the cutoff. Your portfolio gets you the job. You need both.”
“It is realistic to be involved and succeed academically. It is not realistic to join four clubs, hold four positions, and manage engineering classes at the same time.”
Balance makes involvement sustainable.
Final Thoughts
Her story shows that engineering is not about having everything perfectly planned from the beginning. It is about learning how you think, finding people who understand your challenges, and discovering which problems you enjoy solving. The structure, the labs, the hard days, and the small victories all shape your path. When you find the right direction and the right support, the experience becomes less intimidating and a lot more meaningful. For anyone curious about engineering, her journey is a reminder that you can grow into it, ask questions, and take it one step at a time.
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Written by: Harjash Kaur, Student Career Influencer
Uploaded & Edited: by Jen Weiss
