Michael Thomas

What would be your dream job and how did EMS put you closer to this goal?

I want to be a researcher working in the semiconductor/electronics industry. EMS has been very helpful with letting me get involved in undergraduate research and making the whole process very easy. Additionally, many of the faculty have their own research groups so bouncing questions off your favorite professors after class is always very helpful.

What student organizations and activities are you involved in?

I’m involved in EMS Student Council, which is very different from your high school student council, and is very fun. I’m also in the Penn State Trombone Choir, and I am looking to join more music groups this year, and the Penn State Disc Golf Club, which I find is a great way to get out and spend time de-stressing while getting in some exercise.

What is the best class you’ve taken at Penn State and why?

Music 464W: Film Music was fantastic. It’s an elective which you don’t need to have any background in music theory for, and the semester is spent watching films and discussing the use of music in the movie as a class. It culminates in a final project where you get to pick your own movie and analyze it and its music.

What’s the best part about being an EMS student?

EMS is such a diverse and inclusive group, and it really feels like a family. Getting involved in EMS is a great way to make the huge University that is Penn State feel smaller.

What is one piece of advice you would give to prospective students?

Be sure to balance your academics and your social life in your first semester. I focused too hard on academics and didn’t enjoy it, and I have friends who spent too much time socializing and struggled to recover academically. Getting a good balance is key and makes your time much more fun.