Eric Nzuki

Why I Chose Duke Engineering

I chose to pursue my Master of Engineering (MEng) at Duke’s Pratt to strengthen my technical expertise in Energy and prepare for leadership within the engineering profession. Pratt’s distinctive combination of advanced technical training and business-focused coursework provided the ideal foundation to grow both as an Engineer and as a future Engineering Leader. What set the program apart was its strong industry orientation, particularly the integration of coursework with internship opportunities, which offered a direct bridge between academic learning and real-world application. I was also drawn to Pratt’s renowned faculty—leaders at the forefront of their fields—and the chance to learn from them in an intimate, collaborative classroom environment. Just as important, I recognized that Duke’s extensive professional network would create lasting opportunities for career growth and meaningful impact.

Before Duke Engineering

Before beginning my master’s at Pratt, I worked at Georgia-Pacific in the Engineering Development Program. I held roles as a Process Engineer and later as a Power & Recovery Engineer at a 50 MW Combined Heat and Power (CHP) plant. Beyond developing a solid foundation in power generation operations, these roles gave me early leadership experience—coordinating across teams, navigating operational challenges, and contributing to decision-making in a large-scale industrial environment. The program was pivotal in shaping my ability to approach engineering not only from a technical perspective, but also with an eye toward management and long-term impact.

After Duke Engineering

After completing my degree at Duke’s Pratt School of Engineering, I joined Burns & McDonnell, an engineering consulting firm, having previously interned with them during my time at Duke. In my role, I lead and support the design of various power plant systems. In addition, I serve as a Contract Engineer, overseeing equipment, construction, and technical performance specifications to ensure projects meet both design and operational requirements. To date, my most significant contribution has been to the design of a 500 MW 2×1 Combined Cycle Power Plant for a client in Texas.

5 Ways to Maximize Your Time at Duke

1. Visit each professor several times throughout the semester and make an effort to connect and learn beyond the classroom.
2. Build meaningful relationships with students, both within Pratt and across Duke.
3. Find someone to mentor, and seek guidance from a mentor yourself.
4. Reach out to at least one alumni each semester whose career or values you admire—share your goals and ask for advice.
5. Time moves quickly, so take moments to slow down and appreciate the beauty of campus and the company around you.