From Coast to Coast

As an undergraduate student, Harminderjeet Kaur (B.S. ’22) was deeply involved on campus as a social media ambassador, vice president of the sorority Kappa Phi Gamma, and president of Think Sikh. Kaur also worked in the Office of Student Engagement and Development’s Office of Student Life as a fraternity and sorority life coordinator, where she organized events and provided student support services. Upon graduation, she was offered a permanent position in the Long Island office, where the alumna-turned-staffer worked full-time as a student support specialist.

While she thrived in her on-campus role, Kaur never lost sight of her past. The mechanical engineering – aerospace alumna says she remained committed to pursuing a career in engineering, and her time as a student support specialist only bolstered the communication, organization, and problem-solving skills she’ll need in the field.

Her dedication to her academic passions has paid off. This fall, Kaur will say goodbye to New York Tech as she relocates to Los Angeles, Calif., to work as a technical inside sales engineer for power management company Eaton Corporation.

“My student support specialist position presented a valuable opportunity to develop qualities that complement my technical background,” she says. “I am eager to return to my roots in aerospace and mechanical engineering as I can now approach future challenges with a well-rounded perspective.”

At Eaton, Kaur will provide management, outside sales engineers, and clients—from big aerospace industries to universities—with solutions to technical, service, and commercial challenges. Her expertise gleaned from years studying in the College of Engineering and Computing Sciences will shine as she assists with product assembly, including making necessary alterations to circuits or components like chips used in aerospace applications.

While thrilled to have secured an engineering role where she can follow her love for working with people and applying her technical skills and knowledge to hands-on work, Kaur will miss her student-facing role at the university.

“I was able to contribute to the student community that, as an undergraduate, I had grown to love,” says Kaur, who facilitated events, provided administrative support, and served as a resource for students navigating their college journey. “Accepting the job offer in the office of Student Life meant I would have the chance to make a meaningful impact on students’ lives.”

Kaur remarks that nothing was more gratifying in her role than when students approached her at commencement to express their appreciation for the advice and support she provided during the semester. Over the last year and a half, she found fulfillment in her work with the university’s Grizzly Cupboard, an on-campus food pantry offering free, wholesome, and healthy nonperishable food items and more. There, Kaur managed logistics and inventory, so the pantry continuously met students’ needs. In her wake, the pantry looks forward to a partnership with Island Harvest Food Bank, which will enable the Grizzly Cupboard to expand its reach and provide more resources to students in need.

As she prepares for her cross-country move and career growth, Kaur offers this advice to university students: Get involved. “Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and embrace every opportunity because that’s where growth happens. Engage with the campus community and form connections.”