Published: Oct. 9, 2017

#ILookLikeAnEngineer

Why did you choose engineering at CU Boulder?

I chose CU Boulder engineering because it has a great program in my field. It also allowed me to be closer to my family while going to such a beautiful and amazing school that has every aspect of a college life.

What does #ILookLikeAnEngineer mean to you?

Never judge a book by its cover.

What are three things that make you unique?

  1. I'm an engineering student that loves to act and dance anything from Hip Hop to salsa.
  2. I moved to the U.S just 6 years ago from Ethiopia.
  3. English is my third language.

What are your career goals?

My first career goal is to work for a product development company or R&D in the robotics or wearable technology field. Then, after years of experience, I want to start my own company and grow from there. My biggest career goal is to one-day open up free Tech Schools in undeveloped/developing countries.

Do you have a favorite quote or mantra?

"If your dreams don't scare you, they aren't big enough!" Ellen Johnson Sirleaf

What are your hobbies?

My hobbies include hanging out with families and friends, listening to music, watching movies, learning new styles of dances, enjoying life, trying to bring a smile on someones face, and working on DIY projects. I really love doing projects with Open Source platforms and trying to come up with new and exciting potential products.

What do you enjoy most about engineering?

I enjoy learning about all of the cool things we can do with math and science. It's really crazy how we can take the things provided by the universe and control it to create whatever we want.

Do you have advice for freshmen engineering students?

Struggling is normal and commonplace part of being a college student and an engineering major. If it was easy everyone would do it. We are humans. We are not made to be successful at everything we do. Most people start to question whether they fit in or "have what it takes" to succeed when they start to compare themselves to others. My biggest advice is to not do that. Remember that everyone is different. Everyone is living on their own time.

What are you up to these days?

I recently interned at Arrow Electronics.

What high school did you attend?

Smoky Hill High School

Nebiyu Tadesse, Class of 2020, Electrical & Computer Engineering and Mechanical Engineering