Ashwin Vekaria

Why did you choose Michigan Tech?

I chose Michigan Tech due to the Enterprise Program. It offers the excellent opportunity for students to apply their technical skills to solve real-life problems while gaining valuable work experience.

Tell us about a memorable experience you had with a class or about a favorite professor

Dr. Bruce from Material Science Engineering explained a key value of a Material Science degree: your job cannot be replaced with a computer. His classes were brutally honest but always intellectually valuable.

Now, how about a memorable experience outside of class?

My friends and I went camping for the first time using the OAP tent rentals. When we arrived in the Porcupine Mountains we had no idea how to setup a tent and it was cold. We were using a wrench to hit the stakes in the ground and luckily our camping neighbors came to our rescue. They loaned us a mallet and helped put up the tent. I was able to experience yet another UP hospitality.

How well did Michigan Tech prepare you for your career?

It was very hard to say what one thing prepared me best, but after a year into my career I realized how Michigan Tech taught me to always search for opportunities to better myself and the organization I am employed at. I can tell a difference in the technical knowledge of many new graduates from Tech that I interview versus other graduates.

What was your first job after graduation and how has your career progressed?

I started as a Metallurgist and I am now the General Manager at the same foundry.

Tell us about a few of your career highlights and notable achievements

I am the youngest General Manager of a foundry that our company has ever hired.

Please tell us why you share your time, talent, and treasure to support Michigan Tech students and/or alumni or volunteer in your community.
I loved my experience at Tech and want to give back to the university. I feel much of my career success can be contributed to the staff, curriculum, and student experiences. I also truly believe the students who go through the arduous curriculum and weather conditions have what it takes to be successful.

What advice on being successful would you give to Tech students and young alumni?

It's important to learn about other life skills such as balancing your budget, maintaining good credit, and properly filing taxes. So many new graduates want to buy a brand new car and other large expenses, but should be maxing their 501k and paying off student loans. Pay off as much debt as possible, before it's time to start a family. Tech will give you the knowledge to perform well in your position, so if you work hard and manage your money, you'll be set.