Mechanical Engineering
Biography
My name is Joshua Pereira, and I am a mechanical engineer and proud member of the 2027 Cohort of the Heath Integrated Business and Engineering Program, driven by a passion for combining technical expertise with innovative business strategies.
My experiences with leading teams in charity work, extended missionary projects, and high school robotics competitions have allowed me to develop my communication, leadership, and team-building skills, which are invaluable to my career goals. These experiences have honed my ability to recognize and leverage the unique strengths of each team member, ensuring that projects are executed effectively, with a high degree of efficiency.
Originally from Johannesburg, South Africa, with Portuguese roots, I have had the unique experience of living in various parts of the world, including Switzerland and now the United States. Moving to the U.S. for university has been a significant challenge and an opportunity for growth. My journey also includes a transformative gap year spent in South Africa, where I joined a leadership and mission team. There, I served for and in collaboration with a church, leading services, renovating homes, and assisting communities in need. These experiences have deeply shaped my worldview and commitment to making a positive impact through my work.
My decision to study mechanical engineering stems from a fascination with how things work and are manufactured, however, I view this field as simply the starting point. I am particularly interested in applying my engineering skills in industries that intersect with technology and entrepreneurship, such as robotics, automation, and sustainable manufacturing. My long-term goal is to leverage my technical knowledge to drive innovative business ventures, ultimately leading my own company that bridges the gap between cutting-edge engineering solutions and market needs.
The Heath IBEP program attracted me because it offers the perfect environment to develop this blend of engineering and business skills. I’m excited about the early exposure to business concepts and the opportunity to collaborate with business students and professionals. I believe this program will help me gain a deeper understanding of the broader business landscape and how to navigate the challenges of starting and scaling a company. My immediate professional goals include exploring roles in product development, operations management, and eventually transitioning into entrepreneurship. I’m eager to engage with real-world projects and learn from experienced professionals, which I believe will be invaluable as I work towards my long- term vision of launching and leading a successful business.
