Ojasvi Sharma

Class of 2027
Major: Electrical Engineering
Minor: Computer Engineering
Hometown: Hillsborough, New Jersey

What motivated you to become a ClarkLEADER?
Coming into UMD Engineering with no prior background or knowledge, ClarkLEAD really helped set the expectations for being a Terp Engineering. My own ClarkLEADER, Giuse Pham, was extremely helpful and knowledgeable, and we connected on LinkedIn afterward. Overall, I want to help set these expectations with fellow students while also giving them an opportunity to network in a friendly environment. I want to make sure they leave feeling proud of where they're going.

What is one piece of advice you would like to share with new Maryland Engineering Students?
Don’t underestimate what you can achieve just because you’re a first-year student. During my first year, I served as a teaching fellow for an electrical engineering class, secured an engineering internship, and maintained a strong academic record. The opportunities are out there, but it's up to you to take initiative and put in the effort. What you get out of college truly depends on what you put into it.

What are some organizations or extracurricular activities you think new students should know about?
There are so many great organizations and activities to explore, but a few I’d definitely recommend are Engineers Without Borders, Adventure Program trips, and any major or department-specific clubs, like the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) for ECE students. These can help you apply your skills, meet new people, and connect with mentors and opportunities in your field. For non-engineering fun, intramural sports are a must. Whether you join with friends or find teammates online, it's a great way to stay active and make new connections - I’ve met a lot of people through intramural soccer.

If you attended ClarkLEAD as a first-year student, what did you enjoy most about the event?
ClarkLEAD really helped set my expectations for what it means to be an engineer, a student at UMD, and how to navigate college life in general. It gave me a better understanding of the values and mindset that would help me succeed, and it made me feel more connected to the Clark School community right from the start.