Turning a hobby and interest into a career path, senior Austin Grenert has been able to do so majoring in computer engineering.

“I have always had an interest in computers, and a hobby of mine was building custom PCs, something I’ve loved doing throughout my life. When it comes to computer engineering specifically, I really wanted a major that has a balance of high- and low-level software, along with hardware, and computer engineering has the perfect balance. Picking one discipline wasn’t enough for me, I wanted to learn about it all.”

At MSOE, Grenert has gained more experience through hands-on learning, something that drew him to transfer from a technical college, along with being able to connect with professors in small classes. These aspects along with the fact that his math and elective credits transferred, and the high number of labs and core classes offered by MSOE helped him make his decision to attend MSOE compared to other universities. His courses, though challenging and rigorous, have been rewarding.

“The computer engineering faculty at MSOE is the reason I was able to succeed. They are some of the nicest, and best professors I have ever had, and they really support the students. They want you to succeed.” 

Grenert is interning with NVIDIA, a dream of his since he decided to major in computer engineering. Since transferring to MSOE, he’s been able to study and use the state-of-the-art Dwight and Dian Diercks Computational Science Hall and inch closer to his dream of working for NVIDIA with the university’s close ties to the company.

“Since I decided to study computer engineering, it has always been my dream to work on industry leading firmware and low-level software, a dream that was fulfilled working at NVIDIA. This is somewhere I really felt like I have made a difference.”

Grenert was able to extend his internship through his senior year at MSOE.

“My last year at MSOE I’ve been part time, taking only the senior design sequence, which I got approved to take 100 percent online. This flexibility from MSOE has enabled me to continue my NVIDIA internship for a whole year, working from June of 2021 to May of 2022. I am very grateful to be able to do this, and I will likely be taking a job at NVIDIA after graduation.”

If he isn’t at his internship or building PCs, the senior from Elgin, IL enjoys playing video games and playing or watching soccer. Specifically, cheering for his two favorite teams: Liverpool and the Chicago Fire.