Why I Chose NJIT: Joshua Grebler
Choosing the right school and program for your undergraduate education can be challenging. Third-year undergraduate student Joshua Grebler chose NJIT for his Industrial Design education, and here’s why. He speaks about the unique aspects of NJIT's Industrial Design program, how it has prepared him for his career goals, and his experiences with the Industrial Design community at NJIT.
Choosing NJIT for Industrial Design
When Joshua Grebler was looking for a school to pursue his Industrial Design degree, he had a few requirements in mind. He wanted a school with a strong focus on both technology and engineering. Having a background in computer science, Joshua was looking to integrate this knowledge into his design work.
His search led him to the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT), a public research university with a strong emphasis on STEM fields. Located in Newark, NJIT has been ranked as one of the top engineering schools in the country by U.S. News & World Report.
“Once I considered industrial design, I did look at other places, but what really set NJIT apart was the fact that it’s an engineering school. Other schools with industrial design programs tend to focus a lot on art, so the technical focus was attractive because of the resources for intersectionality inside the school.”
One of the big factors that drew Grebler to NJIT was the school's focus on intersectionality. As an Industrial Design student, he wanted to learn how to create designs that were not only visually appealing but also functional and efficient. NJIT's college of architecture and design provided him with the resources and knowledge to do so, while also allowing him to work with people from other programs of study as well as having access to resources from those other programs.
Grebler also appreciated the school's emphasis on finding meaning in what we create. NJIT's Industrial Design program focuses on creating designs that have a purpose and contribute positively to society. This aligned with Grebler's desire to be creative with technology and create designs that had a positive impact on people's lives.
Prior to attending NJIT, Grebler was a computer science student at Bergen Community College. It was there that he was first exposed to Industrial Design through a manufacturing professor. This sparked his interest in the field and led him to pursue a transfer to NJIT's Industrial Design program.
Preparing for Future Career Goals
As the President of NJIT's Industrial Design Society of America (IDSA) chapter, Joshua believes that the Industrial Design program at NJIT has provided him with the necessary skills and knowledge to pursue his career goals. Grebler explained that Industrial Design is a versatile and “massively employable” field, and NJIT's program offers a wide range of opportunities for its students.
Students can pursue careers in consultancy, curating, designing for film and instrumentation, signage, infrastructure, consumer products, and many other fields. NJIT's Industrial Design program is equipped with research labs that cater to the needs of students with a variety of interests. Joshua particularly enjoyed working in the cyborg design lab with Assistant Professor Matthew Schwartz, where they explored new avenues of design and technology.
NJIT also has a strong industry connection, with relationships with companies such as Nvidia, a graphics card manufacturer. Joshua worked on a research project with Nvidia, focusing on AI and cutting-edge graphics, which gave him valuable industry experience. By doing so, Grebler has also been able to continue his CS education, incorporating heavy computing into his research work.
Guidance and Mentorship from Industrial Design Faculty
Joshua highlighted the guidance and mentorship he has received from the Industrial Design faculty at NJIT. Matthew Schwartz, the advisor for NJIT's Industrial Design Society of America (IDSA) chapter, has played a significant role in Joshua's academic and professional development.
Matthew's leadership enrichment and professional development guidance have helped Joshua improve his design skills and navigate the complexities of the industry. Moreover, Joshua has learned some level of politics through his association with Matthew and the IDSA chapter.
In addition, Joshua has received valuable guidance from guest speakers and industry professionals who visit NJIT's Industrial Design program. For example, a New York student liaison from the Industrial Design Society of America (IDSA) visited the program to provide portfolio reviews and professional development guidance. These interactions have enabled Joshua to learn about the industry's latest trends and network with professionals, which can help him in his future career.
Applying Skills and Knowledge to Real-World Projects
During his time at NJIT, Joshua has had many opportunities to apply the skills and knowledge he has gained in his Industrial Design program to real-world projects. He has taken on contract design work, which has allowed him to improve his skills with more curriculum knowledge. He has also done electronics and 3D work on a commission basis, which has given him valuable experience in working with clients and meeting their specific needs.
Joshua has explored freelance opportunities, which have allowed him to take on a wide range of projects and work with a variety of clients. These experiences have helped him to develop his professional network and gain exposure to different areas of Industrial Design. Joshua is excited about the potential for his skills and knowledge to translate into a successful career after graduation.
Begin your journey at NJIT today
Joshua Grebler's experience at NJIT's Industrial Design program has been nothing short of transformative. He has gained invaluable skills, knowledge, and mentorship, which have prepared him for a successful career in the field. The program's unique and innovative aspects, such as the focus on sustainability and meaningful work, have further solidified Joshua's passion for Industrial Design.
If you are considering pursuing a degree in Industrial Design, we highly recommend exploring NJIT's program. With its outstanding faculty, cutting-edge research opportunities, and emphasis on technical and meaningful design, NJIT's Industrial Design program is an excellent choice for anyone looking to excel in this field- Apply Now.