COD Student First Transfer Candidate Accepted into the Prestigious Hoeft Technology and Management Program at UIUC

College of DuPage Engineering student Robert Enescu is the first student not currently attending the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign to be accepted into the university's prestigious Hoeft Technology and Management program.

"I feel extremely lucky and excited," Enescu said.

"I'm very ready and looking forward to learning to bridge the gap between technical engineering and practical business experience, while networking with classmates with similar interests."

Born in Romania, Enescu came to the U.S. with his family at age four and is currently a resident of Villa Park. He recently completed the Engineering Pathways program at COD, which offers guaranteed admission to the College of Engineering at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and is set to enter UIUC this fall. Enescu plans to earn his bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering with a minor in Technology and Management. Upon graduation from UIUC, he hopes to obtain a manufacturing position in design and engineering while actively working with the advertising, markeing and sales departments.

While in high school, Enescu said he was torn between pursuing a career in business or a career in engineering. While he enjoyed math, science and economics, at COD he also became engaged in math and physical sciences such as chemistry and physics. He said engineering "felt like a good fit" for him and that he was particularly inspired by the success of an older cousin who came to the U.S. at age 17 and, initially speaking very little English, put himself through engineering school. His cousin now works as a project manager at Caterpillar, Inc.

While preparing for the comprehensive and competitive interview process to the Hoeft program at UIUC, Enescu was introduced to Hoeft program alumni and former Navistar Prototype Engine Build Manager Brian Schmidt. The mentorship came about through a connection between Schmidt and his coworker Mark Farone, who also works as an adjunct professor of physics at College of DuPage. After Enescu's application earned him an interview for the Hoeft program, Schmidt began mentoring him to prepare for the interview.

"Robert has accomplished something very special in his acceptance to this prestigious program," Schmidt said. "The Hoeft Technology and Management program is very selective and highly sought after by many business and engineering students. I think his success is a great testament to the rigor and quality of the academic programs and activities at COD. Robert is a shining example of the caliber of student COD is capable of producing."

Enescu, who worked as a peer tutor while attending COD, said he chose the College for its affordability and the quality of the Engineering program. He said he made the right decision and is extremely pleased with the education and experience he gained at COD.

"College of DuPage has given me as many, if not more opportunities than I would have received anywhere else," said Enescu, who was also a member of the College's Engineering Club. "COD offers extraordinary opportunities for engagement and leadership, with outstanding and knowledgeable professors who really go the extra mile for students. The College is a great path to take to be a successful student and the school also prepares you to be a successful professional."

Click here to learn more about the Engineering program at College of DuPage.

The Hoeft Technology and Management program at the University of Illinois is geared toward bridging the gap between traditional engineering and business education by offering a unique curriculum to a select group of highly qualified undergraduates. With an emphasis on experiential learning and the inclusion of hands-on elements in each of the courses, teams of business and engineering students work together to develop comprehensive solutions to real-world problems.