Jenny Farler, Mechanical Engineering Alum

Degrees
Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering (May '24)
Doctor of Philosophy (current student)

Current Residence
Memphis, TN

Current Employer
University of Memphis

What influenced your decision to attend Herff College of Engineering?
I liked the overall community at the University of Memphis and wanted to pursue a career in engineering.

How did Herff prepare you for your career?
My classes and professors taught me specific things, but more importantly made me a more capable person. I think about the world differently now as a graduate student than I did as a freshman in college, and that is because of my engineering classes.

What skills or knowledge did you learn throughout the program that you found most helpful in your career?
Aside from the information I learned from all of my classes, the biggest lesson I think I took from my time as an undergraduate student was to ask questions. During class, a job interview, or whenever one comes to mind. You can create so many opportunities for yourself just by allowing your curiosity to take over.

Who was your most impactful professor? Why?
Dr. Alex Headley was my advisor and most impactful professor during my time as an undergraduate student. He helped me explore different fields and career paths, build my confidence as a student, and overall become a better engineer.

Were you involved in student groups? If so, which one(s)?
I was in a sorority, Pi Beta Phi, and I was also involved in three engineering student groups, ASME, SWE, and Pi Tau Sigma.

What support(s) did you have during your time as a college student? How did you keep focused on the goal?
My family was my biggest support during my time as a college student. They always made sure to tell me they were proud of me, and coming home for family dinners always took my mind off of any stresses.

What was your greatest memory from your time at Herff?
My greatest memory was our final presentations of our senior design projects. After we completed our official presentations and were standing with our projects and posters in the hallways, everyone was so relaxed and excited after weeks of stress. My professors were all so kind and excited to see what my classmates and I had worked on, and it is one of my fondest memories. I was very proud of my group and of all my friends' achievements.

What advice would you give those considering enrolling in Herff College of Engineering?
Engineering is always a tough major, but the faculty at Memphis really make a difference. The class sizes are smaller, and the professors make an effort to know you. Take advantage of this and build relationships with faculty members because they will make your experience so much more meaningful. Build relationships with your classmates early, and try to join student organizations. The more people you know, the easier it is to struggle through the hardest semesters together.

What do you know now that you wish you had known during your time at Herff?
I wish I had known how much each class matters. Four years seems like an eternity, but you really only have so much time in college.

Was your Herff experience worth the price? If you could do it over again, what would you do differently?
I was fortunate enough to receive scholarships both from the department and from the university so that I did not have to pay for my school. If I could do it over again, I would try to get to know more of my classmates earlier on.