May 1, 2025
By Mikey Fuller
From a young age, Rijul Patel, fourth-year undergraduate student in the George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, knew he wanted to attend Georgia Tech. Not just to follow in his brother’s footsteps, but because he knew the Tech reputation was more than just a name.
As one of the nation's top public research universities, Patel always saw Georgia Tech as an institution meant for those who challenge the norms, go beyond practical response, and seek the ultimate solution.
Not only did he accept that challenge, but this month, Patel will be achieving his goal of walking across the stage at Georgia Tech’s graduation ceremony and living up to those expectations he set for himself.
As a Douglasville, Georgia native, Patel began his journey at Tech in Fall 2021. He knew coming in that the Institute was known as one of the best universities in the country, but he learned early on that that title is not something that's just given—it’s earned through the dedication and hard work of its students completing the coursework while also becoming a well-balanced person.
“At the end of the day, you are the one who makes or breaks that title,” Patel says. “The motto Progress and Service is something I truly understand now that I have completed my degree.”
Between all of the lectures, projects, and meetings he went through in the Woodruff School, it’s the community that Patel built for himself that he says he will miss the most when he moves on to the next stage.
“While I knew many students coming in from my hometown, I deepened my circle and made lifelong friends,” Patel says. “From working late in the library to exploring Atlanta’s best spots, I’ll miss the people who have given me so much throughout my time here.”
Part of that community for Patel is being the president of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME). ASME is a student-led organization committed to fostering professional growth and creating opportunities for career development for mechanical engineering students through events, weekly meetings, career fairs, and networking events. These events serve as opportunities for students to establish connections with industry partners and explore potential career paths.
Patel volunteered for the organization’s career fairs every semester since his first year and eventually led the organization by his final year. The career fairs are held each semester and bring together more than 70 employers each year, offering students a chance to engage with globally recognized engineering companies.
“It’s been incredible to see the growth of the club that helped me grow both professionally and academically,” Patel says.
After graduation, Patel plans to join GE Vernova for its Edison Engineering Development Program (EEDP), a career development program that exposes its members to industry-leading innovators in the power sector. Members work to solve one of the biggest climate crisis problems, providing electricity while at the same time reducing greenhouse gases. At the same time, he plans to pursue his master’s degree in mechanical engineering at Georgia Tech.
Looking back on how he got to this moment, Patel has one piece of advice for students who may follow in his path—enjoy the progress.
“These years will be some of the most demanding moments of your life, so make sure to find enjoyment in what you do,” Patel says. “If you can’t find passion in your work, you won’t have the drive to push through your coursework or even your career. Finding enjoyment in what you do comes down to how you react to challenges. Your reaction is one of the most important things in life, and learning to control it can be powerful—not just in coursework or college, but beyond.”
