Matthew Krugh
Clemson University
Greenville, SC USA
"Don’t be afraid to fail and move on from that failure."
Career Roadmap
Matthew's work combines: Engineering, Technology, and Problem Solving
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Day In The Life
Skills &
Education
Advice for getting started
A fear of failure is a common sentiment in society. My advice is to not be afraid of failure but rather learn how to move on from it. Sometimes you start down a path and come to realize that it's not actually the best fit for you. It's okay to acknowledge that and then pivot into something that fits better. That's what I did and now I'm working in a field that I'm passionate about.
Here's the path I took:
High School
Bachelor's Degree
Mechanical Engineering
Pennsylvania State University
Graduate Degree
Automotive Engineering
Clemson University
Doctorate
Automotive Engineering
Clemson University
Life & Career Milestones
My path in life has been direct
1.
In high school I was interested in becoming a chef or carpenter until my teacher encouraged me to take a CAD class—that class opened my eyes to the world of engineering.
2.
I decided to pursue engineering and earned my bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Pennsylvania State University.
3.
After graduating, I worked as a design intern in Erie, Pennsylvania, which I enjoyed but ultimately realized wasn’t a great fit for me.
4.
I connected with a faculty member at Clemson University, saw his research, and decided to move down to South Carolina to pursue a master’s degree.
5.
I spent a year doing research in materials science before deciding to switch over to manufacturing research, specifically in the automotive industry, which better engaged my interest in technology.
6.
After earning my master’s degree in automotive engineering, I moved on to my doctoral degree where I focused on improving wearable systems for manufacturing workers.
7.
I’m currently working as a postdoctoral research fellow at Clemson University and I also hope to move into the entrepreneurial space in the future to help propel students’ ideas beyond the university.
Defining Moments
How I responded to discouragement
THE NOISE
Messages from Society in general:
It's not okay to fail.
How I responded:
A fear of failure is a common sentiment in society. My advice is to not be afraid of failure but rather learn how to move on from it. Sometimes you start down a path and come to realize that it's not actually the best fit for you. It's okay to acknowledge that and then pivot into something that fits better. That's what I did and now I'm working in a field that I'm passionate about.