Neil Sood: Giving Back and Going Further

Featured: Neil Sood, Spring 2026 ECE graduate and STEM education advocate

Tell us about your background.

I was born in Rochester, New York, but moved to Kernersville, North Carolina, when I was very young. It was through local STEM events in the Kernersville/Winston-Salem area that I was immersed in engineering. I took my first technology classes in middle school through the Project Lead the Way program, getting hands-on experience in using the design cycle and computer-aided design. In high school, I continued exploring engineering through courses in digital electronics, computer integrated manufacturing and civil engineering and architecture.

When I was applying to colleges, I knew I wanted to pursue engineering, but I couldn’t decide on a specific discipline. It wasn’t until the end of my first semester as a freshman at NC State that I decided to pursue ECE. I was specifically drawn to this department by the wealth of opportunities available to me as a student, as well as the many career paths I could pursue. Looking back, four years later, I couldn’t be happier with my choice.

What drew you to NC State?

I was drawn to NC State for several reasons: the strength of its engineering program, the emphasis on hands-on learning that goes beyond the classroom and the opportunity to be close to both my family and the dynamic, fast-growing Triangle area. Over the past four years, I have grown more than I possibly could have expected, both as an engineer and as a person. As I get ready to start my career, I feel very fortunate that the Triangle Area, part of what makes NC State so appealing, is also one of the most exciting places in the country to work in technology and engineering. 

Do you have a favorite class or area of study?

I’ve enjoyed almost every class I’ve taken at NC State, but I’ve been especially attracted to those at the intersection of software and hardware. Specifically, I’ve most enjoyed learning about microelectronics and hardware design (ECE 302, ECE 546, ECE 564), as well as software development and computer architecture (ECE 306, ECE 309, ECE 563). What I love most is that these two worlds don’t exist in isolation. Understanding both has given me a more complete picture of ECE and has shaped the kind of engineer and professional I aspire to be.

What was one of the best practical experiences you had at NC State?

The best practical experiences I’ve had at NC State have been my work and internship experiences. I’ve worked as an Engineering Ambassador and did undergraduate research in software development. I also had the privilege of completing two internships over the past two summers. These opportunities were some of the most formative personal and professional experiences I’ve had. My internships gave me real-world engineering proficiency, as well as a glimpse into what careers in different industries look like. My student-work experiences have given me countless opportunities to grow as a leader and as a team member. I feel that partaking in both has made me more well-rounded and confident, and neither would have been possible without the tools that NC State gave me.

Is there anything that surprised you over your years at NC State?

The main thing that surprised me was the sense of community at NC State, especially in a rigorous and challenging major like ECE. As I’ve grown over the past four years, there has been no shortage of support from faculty, staff and even from other students. Whether it was a professor extending deadlines to make students’ lives easier, TAs holding extra office hours before exams or projects or classmates lending advice or clarification on assignments, I never felt like I was navigating the challenges alone. That collaborative spirit not only pushed me to do my best, but reminded me that asking for help is a strength, not a weakness. 

What activities outside of your classes did you get involved in?

For the past three years, I’ve worked on and led a team of engineering students that organizes events at local elementary schools, where we introduce young students to STEM through fun activities related to different engineering disciplines. I count myself so lucky to be in the position I’m in today, and there’s just no way to thank all of the amazing people who helped me to get here. I found my love for engineering through similar events, so I view my outreach work as a way of giving back and potentially helping other students find that same love. Even if they discover they aren’t interested in STEM, at least they’re getting early exposure, and more importantly, having fun while doing it.

What advice would you give to other students considering NC State's ECE program?

My advice is simple: go for it, and dive in headfirst. There are so many incredible opportunities here, from cutting-edge research at labs like the FREEDM Center and ASSIST, to hands-on, intensive coursework, to incredible student organizations like AquaPack and Pack Motorsports. It can feel almost overwhelming when you realize just how much is available at NC State, and that’s exactly why you can’t afford to wait for opportunities to come to you – you have to go after them. In my four years, I’ve been involved in undergraduate research, student-led clubs, ambassador programs, scholarship programs and professional societies; every single one of those experiences added something meaningful to who I am today. Even so, as I walk across that stage at graduation, my only regret will be that I didn’t get involved sooner and push myself to do even more.

NC State will give you everything you’re willing to reach for. So reach.  

How do you plan to celebrate your graduation?

The best celebration I can imagine right now is some well-deserved time with family and friends. This semester has been a whirlwind of projects, exams and deadlines, so spending some time at home to decompress and recharge might be exactly what I need. I’ll probably catch up on some shows and movies I’ve had to put on hold, and just enjoy a little breathing room before my next chapter begins. 

What's next for you?

This past semester, I was accepted into NC State’s Accelerated Bachelor's-Master's program, which means my time as a student isn’t quite over yet. This summer, I’ll be working at Lenovo as a software engineering intern. After that, I’m looking forward to returning to NC State for two final semesters to complete my master’s degree in computer engineering.