Why Auburn: Kathryn Baker

Kathryn Baker came to Auburn from Hoover, Alabama, to study engineering, but what she didn’t expect were the opportunities she’d find outside the classroom. She’s a member of the Cupola Engineering Ambassadors and the Auburn University Marching Band, has studied abroad in Japan and is preparing for an upcoming co-op with Brasfield & Gorrie.

Why Auburn

“I knew I wanted to do engineering, so I came and toured Auburn and fell in love with the campus. I toured a few different schools, but Auburn was really the only place that stayed on my mind afterward. I loved the community, and compared to some of the other schools I visited, engineering here seemed less competitive between students. I love group work and making friends in class, and that’s exactly what has happened.”

Finding the right fit

“I majored in aerospace engineering for a year before realizing it wasn’t what I wanted. My statics class pushed me toward mechanical engineering. As I walked around campus and saw all the construction going on, I liked being able to take something I was learning in class and see it actually being made. Now I’m starting a co-op with Brasfield & Gorrie doing project management, so I’ll be working in construction.”

Cupola

“I’m an introvert, so I remember how scary it can be to walk into a new place where you don’t know anyone. What I love about Cupola is that most of our tours are one-on-one with a family. We can talk about engineering, but also things like housing, making friends or whatever else they might be nervous about.

“I get to share my own experience with them. A lot of my closest friends have come from my engineering classes, and that’s something I like telling prospective students because I didn’t expect that when I came to Auburn.”

Beyond the classroom

“The Auburn University Marching Band was one of the highlights of my first two years. Before I came to Auburn, I had only been to one Auburn football game, so getting to be part of Auburn game days was awesome.

“I’m also in Auburn Symphonic Winds, and in May we traveled to Japan for a study abroad trip. Those are opportunities I didn’t necessarily know I would have when I chose Auburn, but they’ve become a big part of my experience.”

What’s next

“I’ll start my first co-op rotation with Brasfield & Gorrie this fall doing project management. I’m excited to take what I’ve been learning at Auburn and see how it applies in the industry.

“I think that’s one of the things I’ve liked most about Auburn. I came in thinking I knew exactly what kind of engineering I wanted to do, but I’ve had the opportunity to explore, change directions and figure out what really interests me.”