Transferring to a new college or university is a huge decision, and can be a difficult transition for many students. For senior Colin Heshmat, beginning a new school year at Illinois as a MechSE student was a positive experience—and as the 2016 recipient of the College of Engineering’s C.S.
Written by Fatima Farha, MechSE Communications
Transferring to a new college or university is a huge decision, and can be a difficult transition for many students. For senior Colin Heshmat, beginning a new school year at Illinois as a MechSE student was a positive experience—and as the 2016 recipient of the College of Engineering’s C.S. Larson Transfer Student Award, he knows he is on his way to doing even better.
The award was initiated by a group of students and funded by MechSE alumnus and Professor Emeritus Carl Larson during his time as Assistant Dean of the college. As a transfer student himself, Larson worked diligently to ensure that other transfer students experienced smooth transitions to the university.
“It’s an incredible honor to be selected from among so many other brilliant transfer students,” Heshmat said. “I have met many other transfer students in the College of Engineering that will go off and do some amazing things after school, so it’s a profound feeling to get recognized for my academic and professional commitment.”
Heshmat transferred from Lincoln Land Community College in Springfield in August 2013 and is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering. His primary focus is on product design, and more specifically, the “technical challenges involved with consumer products.”
After graduating this May, Heshmat will begin a new job at IA Collaborative, a design consultancy in Chicago. According to Heshmat, the networking opportunities in the MechSE department have helped him connect with many top companies and have given him the opportunity to find a great job that aligns with his goals. He has also been able to work two internships during his time as a MechSE student.
He said his time so far has been marked with a positive and privileged experience.
“I have really enjoyed my time at the University of Illinois,” he said. “This is an exciting place to get to see what others are building, researching, and discovering. To have an opportunity to learn and work alongside some of the smartest and driven students from around the world is an amazing privilege.”
Heshmat will be formally recognized at the College of Engineering Awards Ceremony on April 16.