From Backyard Project to Future Career
Aaron Nandlal discovered his love for electricity in his backyard. As he assisted his father with a four-year backyard renovation project, he was exposed to things like load calculation, domestic wiring, and fixture installation. This experience, coupled with his longstanding obsession for creation with things like LEGO Technic, solidified his decision to pursue a future in engineering.
At New York Tech, Nandlal is enrolled in the electrical and computer engineering B.S./M.S. program, which allows him to earn both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in just five years. As he splits his time attending classes on Long Island and in New York City, he says the university has exposed him to hands-on experiences as early as his first year on campus, allowing him to maximize the years he will spend as a student.
“My favorite part of being in the classroom has been my ability to physically apply what I learn in lecture,” the College of Engineering and Computing Sciences student says. “The level of comprehension gained through physically designing, modifying, and testing circuits is unparalleled.”
Off-campus, Nandlal is further engaged in real-world applicable learning through the Alumni Mentorship Program. This 10-week experience pairs alumni with current New York Tech students who are looking to engage deeper in their chosen degree, exposing them to industry knowledge, networking opportunities, and guidance from a professional.
Matched with Dean La Rosa (B.S. ’91), former global senior director of product design engineering and customer experience at Zebra Technologies, Nandlal and the New York Tech alum have one-on-one meetings to discuss the application of La Rosa’s studies as an electrical engineering graduate. He says the mentorship enables him to glean new information related to his degree, helping him better understand which areas of study are relevant to specific fields in electrical engineering.
“Learning from a professional about the real-world applications of my courses has deepened my appreciation for the field,” he says. “No longer do I view my courses as a means to a degree, but rather as facets of extraordinary feats of engineering.”
Nandlal is heavily involved in extracurriculars as well. A student ambassador since fall 2021, he recalls spring 2023’s Admitted Student Day as a point of pride. There, he was tasked with facilitating all tours of the Long Island campus. As he coordinated with other departments and scheduled group tours throughout the day, Nandlal embraced his leadership position and led his team of student ambassadors through a successful campus event. Since then, he has been frequently responsible for administering campus tours to prospective students and assisting in organizing informational sessions, open houses, and subsequent Admitted Student Days.
He is also a member of New York Tech’s chapters of the National Society of Black Engineers, National Society of Leadership and Success, and Society of Automotive Engineers. Through these three organizations, Nandlal has been able to participate in career development workshops and networking events, and—most importantly—he’s achieved both personal and professional growth.
As he is more than halfway through his time at New York Tech, Nandlal looks forward to his future in the field. He is considering power generation and distribution, transmission, and telecommunication among his career options. Whether he finds himself there or in another related industry, one thing is certain: he wishes to work somewhere that leaves him feeling fulfilled at the end of each day.
“By pursuing electrical and computer engineering, I hope to lead positive change in many industries,” he says. “The goal of any engineer is to offer unique and innovative solutions to modern problems. In doing so, we can push boundaries until an efficient and viable solution is in effect.”
