Purdue University Students Make Real Business Impact

Did you know that Caterpillar partners with colleges and universities to give students the opportunity to apply their studies to real-world projects? Cat Digital recently sponsored a Purdue Data Mine Project which gave Purdue University students the chance to use different analytical techniques to identify methods of data loss prevention for machine data collected from large mining trucks.

Digital Program Manager Kevin Sellers shared, “Not only did the Purdue Data Mine Project give students a chance to learn about Caterpillar and the exciting digital projects at work, it also gave Caterpillar the chance to leverage fresh perspectives. The students proposed solutions different from what we’ve been focused on in the past. That diversity of thought is critical to continued innovation.”

The partnership was mutually beneficial as one of the students, Natalie McGuckin, shared that the mentoring she received helped her drive success in the project as well as inspired her to seek further opportunities with Caterpillar. “My mentors asked questions that challenged the process and made me think outside the box. The mentors I worked with were from all different backgrounds and experiences, which helped me better understand how Caterpillar teams work.” The Data Mine Project opened an opportunity for Natalie to join the Caterpillar team as a summer intern and continue her data focused work.

The Purdue Data Mine Project is one of many ways Caterpillar is focused on preparing the next generation of doers to drive our innovations forward. Learn more about how internships and early talent programs build young professionals.