Hunter Stout
Hunter Stout
Class Year
’25
Hometown
Round Lake Beach, Illinois
Major(s)
Engineering
As a transfer student, Hunter Stout ’25 was a little nervous about starting over at a new college. But with the help of his Carthage advisors and career success team, he is truly excelling as an engineering major. “I wouldn’t have been able to finally see my last year of college if it weren’t for my advisors, friends, and the community at Carthage,” he says. “They showed me that anything is possible.”
Through Carthage, Hunter is also able to gain workplace experience before graduating. In summer 2024, he accepted a design engineer internship with Engineered Exhaust Systems. He spent the summer designing, sourcing materials, and overseeing the installation of a machine to test the durability of industrial push carts. He worked through the phases of getting funding, revising, cooperating with the machinist, and modeling and drawing.
See resources for transfer students
Why Carthage?
“The personal support aspect of professors and staff solidified my confidence in choosing Carthage. And of course, we all came here for the beautiful view of the lake.”
Faculty mentors
“As a transfer student starting my sophomore year, I had to adapt to a brand new college while undergoing some personal struggles outside of college. My advisors and career success team kept me afloat by providing me with guidance on mental health, time management, and engagement skills to help me focus on my studies and keep my personal troubles from drowning out my work. I wouldn’t have been able to finally see my last year of college if it weren’t for my advisors, friends, and the community at Carthage. They showed me that anything is possible.”
Favorite class
“One of the best classes I took has been the rock climbing course. There was nothing better than being able to destress and unwind from a long day of lectures and studies. It was also fun making some new friends while doing so.”
Toughest class
“Engineering offers a sophomore/junior level course that gives you a practice run at the engineering design process. You and your classmates get to work with an outside company to provide an engineered solution to a problem that is presented at the beginning of the year. And by the end of the semester, we collectively present our work to our sponsoring company. In theory, it sounds easy, but pulling together the minds of all of your classmates and applying all the engineering tools you have learned so far is a little tough. It’s not that it’s hard, but it’s the test of your skills in practice that gets difficult.”
Favorite spot on campus
“As a commuter, I love the Starbucks/Library area. It’s perfect to meet up with some friends and also study for that big exam coming up. And while you’re at it, a coffee never hurts.”
Favorite memory
“I love the beginning of the year festival that Carthage hosts every fall semester. I also got invited to join a cookout in The Tower when I first started Carthage and was trying to make new friends. We all had great food and stovetop s’mores while getting to know each other.”
Best study tip
“The best way of studying that works for me is to focus on listening and actively participating during lecture. Afterward, I recap and review notes and lecture content because I learn from experience. I also like to reword my notes differently from the professor to see if I’m able to explain it to myself.”
Biggest surprise
“The biggest surprise is that I could find an area of study that provides me with a sense of fulfillment all while being able to land myself a career after college.”
Advice for other students in your major?
“Don’t let the intimidations of learning concepts like differential equations or dynamics steer you away because that’s the best part. Going through the challenges offered by an engineering degree makes you a problem-solver. And problem-solvers are like gold in the job market. So my advice is to remain open to taking those harder classes because you never know if the one thing you retained from that class might be the very thing you need to help solve a problem later on.”
What would your 8-year-old self think of you now?
“Eight-year-old me would actually be proud of who I am today. I never thought I was good enough to even go to college, thinking I wasn’t smart enough. Now, I get to design and build anything my heart desires. And who knows, maybe one day I’ll be able to work on a rocket and live my dream.”