A Welcoming Atmosphere

Simon Hwang says two things brought him to Illinois Institute of Technology: the abundance of resources available to students and excellent financial aid.

“From building an electric race car from the ground up to operating one of the world’s first portable MRI machines, Illinois Tech offers opportunities in various fields to match individual passions,” he says.

Simon is studying electrical engineering and has participated in a range of hands-on projects, including an internship at Commonwealth Edison Company (ComEd), a rocketry competition, and research assistantships, including through the Armour R&D program.

He has also been a member of the Illinois Tech chapter of the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE), also called IIT Motorsports, for two years and says the experience has been invaluable.

“The diverse hands-on experiences I have gained have equipped me with a solid foundation and the confidence to tackle complex challenges,” he says. 

Simon has taken advantage of the accelerated master’s program, putting him on track to complete both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in as few as five years.

The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering has provided Simon with both a strong academic foundation, closely tied to real-world applications, and a supportive environment.

“Illinois Tech focuses on providing the necessary resources, support, and opportunities for every student to succeed and grow. Whether in the classroom or during student organization meetings, there’s always a welcoming atmosphere and support from both faculty and fellow students,” he says. “If you want a college experience that’s both challenging and rewarding, Illinois Tech is definitely the place to be.”

Originally from Taiwan, Simon says he has found Chicago to be a city full of opportunities.

“The city is a hub for innovation and industry, offering numerous internships, research projects, and networking events. For example, my internship at ComEd was facilitated by the university’s strong connections within the local industry,” he says.

Simon aspires to continue his education to further specialize in his field and hopes to work as a project manager, “leading teams to build innovative solutions that improve our lives and the environment.”