Testimonial

Anh Dang

[MSME 1999, Ph.D. ME 2002]
Project Manager
China Outsourcing Initiatives
GE Energy Systems

I decided to do my graduate work at Georgia Tech because of the well-rounded emphasis on student life, the great caliber of research, and the financial support.

From the student profiles of those attending the graduate program at Tech, I saw much diversity in the student population. Tech wasn't just interested in the next Albert Einstein, but also in the next civic leader or entrepreneur or just a well-rounded individual who can contribute to campus, as much as to research. That aspect of the program was very appealing to me, because I wanted my life to extend well beyond research.

Second, Tech has a great graduate program. US News and World Report ranks it in the top-ten graduate engineering programs for many consecutive years. This high achievement and consistency indicated a trademark of a great program. Tech's research program was also great in working with many industry representatives to provide practical solutions to many real-life problems. The synergy of theoretical research and industry's technical challenges made for a great research experience that was both challenging and rewarding. A critical aspect of the graduate program was Dr. Wepfer's leadership and vision. He provided a foundation for the student's success that would in-turn manifest into the success of the graduate program. He saw the potential in students and faculty. He brought out the best in those around him. He brought in the best students from around the world by providing them with the support and encouragement to make them successful graduates.

The third and decisive factor was the financial support that Tech was able to provide. Tech made the initial financial commitment to attract me to the school, as well as continuing support during my graduate studies when funding was scarce. Knowing that the school would support me during difficult times allowed me to focus on research and publishing, rather than having to find part-time jobs that would distract from my work. This commitment to the student's success was pivotal to my success at Tech.

Exposure to industry was one of the best experiences that I receive at Tech. You learn quickly that pure research, no matter how ingenious or spectacular, may not a great impact if it cannot be transformed into something that is useful and practical. This type of exposure can guide your research towards a meaningful path. Learn what is really needed out in industry, and apply that to current research.

The Ph.D. process is tremendous in preparing an individual for dealing with high stress environments of corporate world. Nothing can compare to the stress that one has to endure from the grueling line of questioning by the Ph.D. Qualifying Examination Committee members. In addition, no one digs deeper and scrutinizes your work like you Ph.D.

Dissertation Committee members. These experiences teach you to understand the concepts that are important to convey and the details in which you convey them. They also help you to perform gracefully under pressure.

The facilities at Tech make it one of the best in the nation. It provides a haven for one to research and engage in life-time learning.

Its campus location, in the middle of Atlanta, also makes for a great locale for learning. Being surrounded by sky-scrapers, while meditating in an oriental garden in the middle of campus, is both inspirational and relaxing. There are also plenty of cultural activities in the surrounding communities to keep an academic mind uplifted. There is great synergy with industry. On a scale of 1-10 with ten being the best, I would rate Georgia Tech: Faculty- 9, Student Body- 7, Facilities- Off the charts- 10.

Anecdote

Georgia Tech and the surrounding Atlanta communities have so much to offer. The Woodruff School is one of the best in the nation. That is widely known. But there is much more to the program than the research, teaching, and publications. There is the great cultural, festival, and social activity that is Atlanta. Be the best in the classroom and research lab, but also enjoy the time at Georgia Tech and Atlanta.

Campus life is a wonderful experience. Just because you are a graduate student doesn't mean that you cannot enjoy campus activities. Join a club. Work in residence life. Play intramural sports.

In selecting your advisor, create a 2-5 year roadmap to ensure:

1. Target graduation date,
2. Secured and/or other possible funding sources for every semesters that you will be enrolled,
3. Backup research topics if you run into a roadblock or funding issues.