Hannah Wieck, a two-time University of California alumna, recently achieved a significant milestone in her academic journey by obtaining her master’s degree in mechanical engineering from UC San Diego. Her path, driven by a passion for expanding her understanding of mechanical engineering and advancing her career, serves as a source of insight and inspiration for prospective students.
Wieck's educational journey began with a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from UCLA. However, upon completing her undergraduate studies, she found herself grappling with uncertainty about which specific area of mechanical engineering to pursue.
"I decided to attend graduate school because I was still uncertain about which field of mechanical engineering to focus on after obtaining my bachelor’s degree,” she said. “Opting for UC San Diego was a natural choice for me due to its rich variety of courses, which I found more compelling than those offered by other institutions."
For Wieck, the allure of delving into her interests and gaining a deeper comprehension of the various facets of mechanical engineering was a significant motivator for attending graduate school. Additionally, she intentionally chose to forgo traditional research in favor of pursuing the comprehensive exam path.
"There's a common misconception that research is a requisite or highly recommended aspect of graduate school. However, my primary goal wasn't centered around research; rather, I aimed to explore my own interests, enhance my knowledge of mechanical engineering, and advance my career. Success in graduate school isn't contingent upon conducting research," Wieck clarified.
During her time at UC San Diego, Wieck particularly emphasizes the hands-on nature of the courses.
"I participated in a knee replacement demonstration in a biomaterials course, constructed a buoy for an ocean technology design and development course and deployed it at Scripps Pier, wrote extensive code for multidisciplinary design optimization, and engaged with robots in the robotics lab,” Wieck described.
The hands-on approach of the courses ultimately led her to pursue a career with similar elements. Now, she serves as a Manufacturing Engineer at Northrop Grumman in the Space Systems Division in Redondo Beach, California.
"I spend a lot of time in the lab at Northrop Grumman—working in clean rooms for assembly and in testing labs for thermal vacuum testing and vibrational testing. My time at UC San Diego solidified my understanding of mechanical engineering fundamentals, which I apply daily in problem-solving throughout the manufacturing and testing process,” Wieck said.
Drawing from her own experiences, Wieck offers valuable advice to prospective graduate students.
"You don't need a 'good reason' to pursue graduate school. In my case, confronted with uncertainty regarding my career path, I viewed graduate school as a strategic stepping stone to better prepare myself for the future," Wieck shared.
Encouraging students to embrace opportunities for growth and exploration, Wieck believes that taking chances can lead to positive outcomes, even when the path forward seems uncertain. Reflecting on her academic journey, she remains fulfilled and appreciative of the opportunities UC San Diego provided her.
“I’m so glad I took a chance and chose UC San Diego because I’ve already experienced positive results. I’m fulfilled with my first job post-college, and holding a graduate degree provided me with a significant advantage in securing job opportunities," Wieck concluded.