Montalvo, F. J., & Hess, B., & Arinze, L. C., & Nash, A. (2025, June), Experiential Learning Activities: Building Grit and Driving Success Among Mechanical Engineering Graduates  Paper presented at 2025 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition , Montreal, Quebec, Canada . https://peer.asee.org/56489

\bibitem{asee_peer_56489}
  Montalvo, F. J., \& Hess, B., \& Arinze, L. C., \& Nash, A. (2025, June), \emph{Experiential Learning Activities: Building Grit and Driving Success Among Mechanical Engineering Graduates}
  Paper presented at 2025 ASEE Annual Conference \& Exposition , Montreal, Quebec, Canada .
  https://peer.asee.org/56489

Francisco J Montalvo, Beth Hess, Lexy Chiwete Arinze, and Alanna Nash.  "Experiential Learning Activities: Building Grit and Driving Success Among Mechanical Engineering Graduates".  2025 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition , Montreal, Quebec, Canada , 2025, June.  ASEE Conferences, 2025.  https://peer.asee.org/56489 Internet.  20 Aug, 2025

\bibitem{asee_peer_56489}
  Francisco J Montalvo, Beth Hess, Lexy Chiwete Arinze, and Alanna Nash.
  "Experiential Learning Activities: Building Grit and Driving Success Among Mechanical Engineering Graduates".
  \emph{2025 ASEE Annual Conference \& Exposition , Montreal, Quebec, Canada , 2025, June}.
  ASEE Conferences, 2025.
  https://peer.asee.org/56489 Internet.  20 Aug, 2025

@INPROCEEDINGS{asee_peer_56489
author = "Francisco J Montalvo, Beth Hess, Lexy Chiwete Arinze, and Alanna Nash"
title = "Experiential Learning Activities: Building Grit and Driving Success Among Mechanical Engineering Graduates"
booktitle = "2025 ASEE Annual Conference \& Exposition "
year = "2025"
month = "June"
address = "Montreal, Quebec, Canada "
publisher = "ASEE Conferences"
note = {https://peer.asee.org/56489}
}

TY  - CPAPER
AB  - Student engagement in Experiential Learning Activities (ELA) has been typically correlated with improved post-graduation outcomes. Our School categorizes ELA into four areas: global (e.g., study abroad), industrial (e.g., internships, co-ops), undergraduate research, and team projects. This study aimed to evaluate ELA participation and investigate the impact on post-graduation outcomes such as full-time employment and graduate school admissions. Additionally, a statistical analysis was conducted to assess the correlation between ELA participation and starting salary in industry placements. Our results show starting salaries increased with the number of ELA (i.e., students completing two or more ELA have higher salaries than those completing a single ELA).  Students participating in undergraduate research were more than twice as likely to move on to graduate school than their peers.  Students participating in industrial experiences were significantly more likely to have secured employment after graduation, and at a higher salary. This study provides key insights for curriculum development and institutional decision-making, demonstrating the value of prioritizing ELAs to enhance student success. The findings from the study support the argument for embedding experiential learning opportunities in mechanical engineering curricula to improve student preparedness and long-term career outcomes.
AU  - Francisco J Montalvo
AU  - Beth Hess
AU  - Lexy Chiwete Arinze
AU  - Alanna Nash
CY  - Montreal, Quebec, Canada 
DA  - 2025/06/22
PB  - ASEE Conferences
TI  - Experiential Learning Activities: Building Grit and Driving Success Among Mechanical Engineering Graduates
UR  - https://peer.asee.org/56489
ER  -