Blast from the Recent Past

What brought you back to campus?
Anna: My sister Nikhila ’26 is on the executive board of UNH’s chapter of the Society of Women Engineers and asked us to come speak about our experiences.

What’s your advice to current students?
Olivia: College is just as much about building your confidence as it is about building that foundation/network. Confidence comes from sharing your story and your perspective; representation inspires the next generation. So, they should take risks, dive into leadership roles and own their space as a woman in engineering.

Anna: My three biggest pieces of advice for current students: find good mentors, ask so many questions, always do what’s right for you first. I pretty much gave my sister the same advice, but she’s always been able to pave her own way and needs little advice from me!

What were some valuable lessons you learned at UNH?
Olivia: It’s important to excel academically, but being well-rounded is meaningful too. I got to enjoy beyond-classroom experiences by joining the rowing team, getting my Part 108 drone pilots license and doing a 10-day study-abroad experience in Rome, Pompeii and Ostia. Each experience taught me a different lesson that I would carry into my professional life.

Anna: The value of networking. I made such great connections not only with people in the industry, but also internally at UNH — professors, graduate students and other staff. UNH places a huge emphasis on attending career fairs, engaging with professors outside of class and doing internships/research, which has been hugely important to my career today.

What do you feel like you’ve learned since leaving UNH?
Anna: Your education is always an ever-evolving process that certainly does not end once you graduate. I have not only learned the ins and outs of my specific career but also a lot about project management and the value of having good project leaders.

Olivia: Life isn’t as linear as it seemed in school — effort doesn’t always equal results, and that’s OK. I’ve realized that people and relationships matter far more than pure performance or credentials. And that being a beginner never really ends; you’re constantly learning and reinventing yourself.

How often do you two get to hang out?
Anna: We see each other at least a few times a year; it’s harder since I moved, but we still try to do a vacation somewhere with some of our other friends at least once a year.