Life after Princeton: Insights from Stacey Huang (Class of 2016) in an interview setting
Saira Reyes, an Engineering Correspondent, has shared her journey of career exploration and the importance of trying different things to determine one's path. In an interview, she mentioned that she applied to several programs and tried various groups and extracurriculars, but did not specify which ones.
Reyes emphasized the significance of this approach, stating, "It's crucial to try different things to discover what you're truly passionate about." She also highlighted the importance of knowing when to say 'no' for personal well-being, ensuring that one does not overcommit and burn out.
Unlike Reyes, Stacey Huang, an engineering correspondent in the electrical engineering department at Princeton, faced insecurities about her academic capabilities. However, her involvement in activities such as science writing helped build her confidence. Huang spent her summers doing research, which contributed to her interest and confidence in research.
Huang's undergraduate research experiences, particularly at Rice University through a Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU), were fundamental factors in her decision to pursue a Ph.D. Her current research focuses on signal processing using radar instead of infrared, a different aspect from her undergraduate projects.
While the specific factors influencing Huang's decision to pursue a Ph.D. in electrical engineering at Stanford University are not detailed, common motivations might include a desire to engage in advanced research, attraction to Stanford's resources, interest in career advancement opportunities, and the influence of mentors and undergraduate experiences.
Reyes, on the other hand, did not mention any specific programs or extracurriculars she applied to or tried, nor did she discuss her involvement in science writing or research. Instead, she focused on the importance of personal well-being and the value of trying different things to find one's career path.
In conclusion, both Saira Reyes and Stacey Huang emphasize the importance of exploration and trying new things in one's academic and professional journey. While Reyes stresses the need for personal well-being, Huang's story underscores the impact of undergraduate research experiences on career decisions.
Saira Reyes' emphasis on trying different things extends to various aspects of her exploration, including undergraduate research as a means for personal growth and learning, which could have contributed to self-discovery and career path determination. Stacey Huang's journey reveals the significant role education-and-self-development opportunities, like undergraduate research, can play in fostering confidence, advancing academic and career aspirations, and facilitating personal growth.
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