The College of Engineering - 2010 Celebration

Paul Diercksen

Mechanical Engineering, Class of 2008

Paving a Unique Path to Success with Rowan Engineering

Some Rowan Engineering graduates carve a unique path to success while at Rowan. Paul Diercksen’s path included working as a waiter, greenskeeper, weight room supervisor and resident assistant — not typically the path taken for an engineer before developing a patent-pending product.

“The reason for my desire to pursue engineering came out of my interest in how everything works,” says Diercksen. “My working background gave me a broad view on the different ways businesses are run and what needs to get done in order to accomplish tasks. “

After graduating from Rowan with a Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering, Diercksen began working as a project engineer for Shupper-Brickle Equipment Company in Dayton, N.J. In this role, he created a patent-pending design for a “Hoist Shelter” — a device that shields hoisting equipment in inclement weather to lengthen their lifespan.

Diercksen believes that his Rowan education helped prepare him for his current position with Shupper-Brickle.

“Rowan’s engineering program was excellent,” Diercksen said. “No matter where you go in the world, you will always have to work in a team or deal with people in some aspect of your job. The engineering clinic throws students right into this reality, forcing them to work together and combine their ideas to optimize a solution.”

After gaining a few years of work experience, Diercksen has decided to return to Rowan for a Master’s of Engineering Management. “My work experience post graduation has made me realize the excellence of Rowan’s education, and I have 100 percent confidence that its master’s program is one of the best out there.”  

In the years ahead, Diercksen hopes to finish his master’s degree and potentially pursue an MBA. “My goal is to optimize the operations here at Shupper-Brickle,” Diercksen said. “With some hard work, its name will be well-known in the construction, maintenance and industrial fields.”