Happiness and Success after Illinois Tech

More about Sam: Things will work out how they're supposed to, says Sam Bruns. https://www.linkedin.com/in/samrbruns/ Stay in touch with Career Services: Instagram: @CareerServicesatIllinoisTech https://www.instagram.com/careerservicesatillinoistech/ Facebook: @Career Services at Illinois Tech https://www.facebook.com/iitcareerservices/ X: @IITCareers https://twitter.com/IITCareers Illinois Tech Career Services Group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/14088794/ Check out Illinois Tech Connect: https://illinoistechconnect.iit.edu/

What’s your reason for waking up each day? It’s a darn good question, I think.   My guest this week, Aybige Tek, knew what, how and why regarding her purpose, from the start.  Not so common, but she knew it!   She was even preparing herself at an early age, drawing cities and furniture before her formal education began.   When she finally arrived, Illinois Tech helped her stay motivated all along the way.   While considering a degree, I agree with her that school needs to be meaningful and making connections along the way will help make it so.   When you’re ready to go for that new goal or job:   •    A little at a time is the way to approach it •    Persistence is key but you have to reset periodically in order to get a new perspective •    Commit to doing it for a finite period of time, then tweak it if it’s not working   When considering what you want to achieve, don’t let outside parameters affect your inner power and knowing.   Practice networking, always, and pay close attention when building solid relationships. Keep going! NEVER give up.   Open and close the store every day.  If you want to find out what that means, you’ll have to listen to the episode. More info about Aybige: She worked for big firms like https://www.pappageorgehaymes.com/ right after graduation from Illinois Tech with an H1B visa and for  "Tabanlıoğlu Architects" in İstanbul among others, teaching architecture and art/design and drawing courses.  https://www.linkedin.com/in/aybige-tek-0b07363/ Stay in touch with Career Services: Instagram: @CareerServicesatIllinoisTech https://www.instagram.com/careerservicesatillinoistech/ Facebook: @Career Services at Illinois Tech https://www.facebook.com/iitcareerservices/ X: @IITCareers https://twitter.com/IITCareers Illinois Tech Career Services Group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/14088794/ Check out Illinois Tech Connect: https://illinoistechconnect.iit.edu/

My guest this week, Jim Muraida, knew he wanted to study mechanical engineering, but he did not know what kind of work he wanted to do.  Sound familiar? Then one day, a company visited the Illinois Tech campus (Sargent & Lundy), and he pursued an opportunity there. He went from participating in a co-op program as a mechanical engineer to becoming a tennis racquet designer at Wilson Sports.  He attended the US open and even met Michael Jordan and Chris Evert.  I hope you’ve heard of these outstanding athletes! After doing a lot of research and traveling to vendors and factories, Jim wanted a change. So he went from being a road warrior to a nuclear power plant lead.  You’ll have to listen in to learn how. Now “semi-retired”, he has gone back to S & L to participate in educating and mentoring others.  I love that he’s giving back to a new generation of engineers.  We need all the wise, experienced people we can get! Jim recommends to give your major of study all considerations; there could be opportunities you’ve never thought of.  I’m willing to bet there are! His career tips: Leaders can be anywhere You may get the best advice from your peers Get out of your comfort zone Feedback is a gift Don't be afraid to fail More about Jim: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-muraida-904575130/ jemuraida@gmail.com Stay in touch with Career Services: Instagram: @CareerServicesatIllinoisTech https://www.instagram.com/careerservicesatillinoistech/ Facebook: @Career Services at Illinois Tech https://www.facebook.com/iitcareerservices/ X: @IITCareers https://twitter.com/IITCareers Illinois Tech Career Services Group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/14088794/ Check out Illinois Tech Connect: https://illinoistechconnect.iit.edu/

My guest this week graduated in 2019 with a BS in Chemical Engineering, and a minor in Business.  When he began, he was an undecided engineering major exploring his options. Good at math and science and fascinated with chemistry, he kept at it until he figured out what he wanted to study. He loved learning! As he worked to complete his degree, he was focused on school and summer work, and though he regrets not having an internship and realizes it may have been a disadvantage, he found a role within a few months of graduation.  Not too shabby, friends. Looking back, he wishes he had known about all the opportunities that were available, and more importantly, what was possible. He encourages future grads to “picture your life”.  Be open to the possibilities. Any job is not the goal. Consider how much travel you desire, how much creativity and problem solving you want in your role, and where might you want to live as you embark on your career. All very important questions because ultimately, it’s not just a job you want; you’re starting your life and making a living is just one piece of it. To possibilities and beyond!   More about Daniel: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielgwittig/   Stay in touch with Career Services:   Instagram: @CareerServicesatIllinoisTech https://www.instagram.com/careerservicesatillinoistech/   Facebook: @Career Services at Illinois Tech https://www.facebook.com/iitcareerservices/   X: @IITCareers https://twitter.com/IITCareers   Illinois Tech Career Services Group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/14088794/   Check out Illinois Tech Connect: https://illinoistechconnect.iit.edu/

Can you go into sales with an engineering background? The short answer is yes. My guest this week, Chloe Rubinowicz, is an electrical engineering graduate,  and gets to experience new things every day.  Instead of just one specialty, she’s constantly learning about cool, new projects from her clients and is really having fun at work.  What a concept! Though she wasn’t able to obtain an internship during the pandemic, she managed to work around it.  Internships are important, but projects and other experiences are possible, if you keep your options open and explore what’s available. How’d she get experience without an internship? She entered a competition, applied herself, made it to the final round, and then? You’ll have to listen in. Her lessons to share: Start sooner and take advantage of all the resources available to you Act with a sense of urgency, not panic Find alumni connections and take advantage of the alumni board Companies are looking to see what you’re able to do, the soft skills you bring, and what you can offer whether it’s from an internship, a project, or a competition. It’s your job to figure out how to show employers what you’re capable of.   More about Chloe:   Chloe Rubinowicz is a dynamic professional currently excelling in tech sales as an Account Manager at Keysight Technologies. With a robust academic background from Illinois Tech, she holds both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Electrical Engineering and is currently pursuing her MBA. Chloe’s collegiate journey was marked by significant leadership roles, including an executive position in Student Government and presidency of the IEEE chapter, alongside being an athlete on the NCAA Division III women’s basketball team. She continues to demonstrate her technical expertise and entrepreneurial spirit through her involvement as CCO and co-founder of a new startup, Mosaic.  https://www.linkedin.com/in/chloe-rubinowicz/ Stay in touch with Career Services: Instagram: @CareerServicesatIllinoisTech https://www.instagram.com/careerservicesatillinoistech/ Facebook: @Career Services at Illinois Tech https://www.facebook.com/iitcareerservices/ X: @IITCareers https://twitter.com/IITCareers Illinois Tech Career Services Group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/14088794/ Check out Illinois Tech Connect: https://illinoistechconnect.iit.edu/

My guest this week, Gus Lawson, was always pretty driven. When he was a teenager, he saw F14s every day and decided he would study aerospace engineering.  After watching the movie Top Gun, he was mesmerized. Who wasn’t? He was in the ROTC and Navy, when he realized he wasn’t using his specialized skill set.  He lacked purpose.  Along the way he had many different jobs so he could build connections and have fun experiences. Advice from Gus: Your work ethic will only take you so far It’s important to give first and help others Develop relationships Play detective; what do you have in common with them? Don’t be transactional Ask: What’s something you’re excited about? Trust your gut He believes we’re all on different timelines. And that’s okay. So don’t compare yourself to others. We both believe: even if you’re not exactly where you want to be, you can be happy along the way. You must strive for this. Check out my book if you want to learn more about being happy along the way. https://2possibilityandbeyond.com/my-book   More about Gus:   Gus Lawson is a change management consultant who used to believe hard work and results speak for itself. He didn’t see the value in networking. In 2015, after 11 years with a large firm, he found himself on a new team without a clearance and no available projects. With no leadership advocates, he found himself unemployed.   Gus realized he wouldn’t find his next job by solely applying online. He knew he had to gain comfort with networking. It took him six months to find his next role.   While he did gain comfort with networking, he experienced a lot of pain in the process. He had to tap into his 401K and cope with the stress on the family and lowered confidence. Ultimately, he had to settle for a $30K pay cut when he found his role.   After establishing his networking routine, opportunities come to him. He has never had to file for unemployment, feels comfortable asking for help, and advocates for himself.   He's on a mission to keep others from experiencing the pain he endured. He helps people create positive beliefs about networking, develop their networking strategy, establish their networking routine, and build strong relationships. He’s provided workshops for organizations that help transitioning Service Members, such as a Hiring Our Heroes, United Service Organizations, Inc.   https://www.linkedin.com/in/guslawson/ Glawson734@gmail.com        Stay in touch with Career Services: Instagram: @CareerServicesatIllinoisTech https://www.instagram.com/careerservicesatillinoistech/ Facebook: @Career Services at Illinois Tech https://www.facebook.com/iitcareerservices/ X: @IITCareers https://twitter.com/IITCareers Illinois Tech Career Services Group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/14088794/ Check out Illinois Tech Connect: https://illinoistechconnect.iit.edu/

My guest this week, Zuly Gomez, graduated with an engineering degree in 2014, working four jobs after graduation to get where she is today. In high school, she realized she loved architecture and creating spaces. As she navigated challenges and figured out where she wanted to be, it was her dream to work at Disney someday. Through many curveballs and hard won determination, Zuly has a lot of wisdom to share. Zuly’s advice: Get involved and meet people Ask questions and explore Build relationships and go to conferences Take risks If it’s not where you’re meant to be, it’s not… She once heard from a mentor the very wise sentiment,  “your life story is your leadership story”.  I love this concept.  You create the life you want. Today, Disney is still the dream.  I believe she’ll get there. More about Zuly:   Zuly Gomez holds a Master’s in Construction Engineering and Management and a B.S. in Architectural Engineering from the Illinois Institute of Technology, with minors in Psychology and Architecture. During her tenure at IIT, Zuly's leadership qualities shone through as a distinguished Leadership Academy Scholar and Program Director of the Exelon Institute Program.   Additionally, she played a pivotal role in the early stages of the IIT Idea Shop, an innovation and entrepreneurship hub dedicated to leveraging technology for positive community impact. Within these influential programs, her passion for technology blossomed, coupled with her unwavering motivation to empower individuals to think differently. These experiences underscore her dedication to both academic and community-driven pursuits.   A life-changing experience prompted Zuly to pivot towards healthcare. Her unique skill set, grounded in technology, engineering, and innovation, paved the way for her journey into the healthcare sector. This fusion of expertise reflects her commitment to excellence and a profound drive for positive societal changes.   Zuly is an entrepreneur with a versatile portfolio of startup ventures, serving as both a Founder and Founding member across various sectors, ranging from Education to Healthcare. She cultivated expertise in strategic business development, leadership, partnerships and collaborations, and customer experience and engagement, expanding her impact domestically and globally. She is passionate about fostering access and equality in healthcare and education and championing women's empowerment.   Complementing her professional endeavors, she demonstrates a profound commitment to community empowerment, reflected in her impactful roles on nonprofit boards and active community volunteering. Zuly is not just a professional but a compassionate advocate for positive change, an accomplished leader, and a community builder. Her diverse experiences, skills, and commitment to making a difference showcase a unique blend of expertise and heart in everything she does.   https://www.linkedin.com/in/zuly-gomez-17906557/ Stay in touch with Career Services: Instagram: @CareerServicesatIllinoisTech https://www.instagram.com/careerservicesatillinoistech/ Facebook: @Career Services at Illinois Tech https://www.facebook.com/iitcareerservices/ X: @IITCareers https://twitter.com/IITCareers Illinois Tech Career Services Group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/14088794/ Check out Illinois Tech Connect: https://illinoistechconnect.iit.edu/

My guest this week, Sukrit Mishra, was an international graduate student studying chemical engineering, when he took an elective and discovered sustainability. Very soon after, he decided he wanted to use his expertise and education for good. Ultimately he switched his graduate program curriculum.   Along the way, though he wishes he had a mentor and wasn’t secluded in his dorm room so much, he hustled and worked diligently.   And he figured out that asking yourself what you’re meant to be doing is the ultimate question.   What advice does he have for you? • Discover all the resources available for you on campus • Reach out more • Don’t be so rigid • Nothing is “set in stone” • Research your options as early as possible for clarity and less anxiety • Resilience is key   For Sukrit, because he did the work, and made changes along the way, the last few years have been a dream!     He says he’s just gotten lucky.  I disagree.  Luck favors the prepared.   There’s a lot of wisdom out there – go get it! More about Sukrit: www.linkedin.com/in/sukrit-mishra https://www.solarunitedneighbors.org/about-us/staff/ Stay in touch with Career Services: Instagram: @CareerServicesatIllinoisTech https://www.instagram.com/careerservicesatillinoistech/ Facebook: @Career Services at Illinois Tech https://www.facebook.com/iitcareerservices/ X: @IITCareers https://twitter.com/IITCareers Illinois Tech Career Services Group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/14088794/ Check out Illinois Tech Connect: https://illinoistechconnect.iit.edu/

Alysia DeSimone found Illinois Tech by accident, after hearing from one of her friends that it may be a good fit for her.   She came to visit, and fell in love with the people (quite literally😊).    Then, she majored in chemical and environmental engineering.  (No small feat.)  And even played soccer for Illinois Tech!   Though she graduated during Covid, she took advantage of research opportunities that interested her on campus, which led to more prospects for her career.   While on the job hunt, she found out pretty quickly: STEM degrees can be applicable to all industries.  Did you hear that?   What else does she advise? Show up; just keep showing up When you face a mental hurdle, reach out! Continue to build your skills Cast a wide net Ask a lot of questions, to help get a sense of what you’d like to do Temper your expectations Finally, it’s okay to get denied. You just might not be what they’re looking for AT THE TIME. More about Alysia: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alysia-d/xxxx Stay in touch with Career Services: Instagram: @CareerServicesatIllinoisTech https://www.instagram.com/careerservicesatillinoistech/ Facebook: @Career Services at Illinois Tech https://www.facebook.com/iitcareerservices/ X: @IITCareers https://twitter.com/IITCareers Illinois Tech Career Services Group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/14088794/ Check out Illinois Tech Connect: https://illinoistechconnect.iit.edu/

My guest this week, Marilyn Flowers, was a commencement speaker in 2023, a student advisor, and an ITM major.  Now she’s an Associate Site Reliability Engineer at CDW. Her chief message during her speech was the importance of leadership and community, and demonstrating how helping each other succeed is of the utmost significance. She also shares this advice:  Keep your eyes and ears open Expand your filter of opportunities Continue to learn – college is just the beginning Practice makes perfect Know what YOU bring to the table Believe in yourself Oh, and reach out for people who want to guide and support you. Courage and persistence is key in finding the job that’s meant for you.  I couldn’t agree more! More about Marilyn: 2023 Student Commencement Speaker, 7x award recipient, and Wendorf Scholar, Marilyn Flowers, graduated in 2023 with a Bachelor's degree in Information Technology and Management. Marilyn spent her time advocating for change in her community as President of the Black Student Union and fueling her passion for technology. During her time at the university, she gained experience as a Software Engineer Intern and Research Scholar. As a trailblazer in tech, she is now the first Associate Site Reliability Engineer in CDW's ACE Program.  She continues her mission of inspiring others to realize that their lives are their own to design and treasure and to feel freedom in their professional journey. Quote: "Graduates today, history makers tomorrow." (Flowers, 2023). https://www.linkedin.com/in/ACoAADdl_SEBwJqsojW1H9fKrs9AUj-HnVMHSIQ Stay in touch with Career Services: Instagram: @CareerServicesatIllinoisTech https://www.instagram.com/careerservicesatillinoistech/ Facebook: @Career Services at Illinois Tech https://www.facebook.com/iitcareerservices/ X: @IITCareers https://twitter.com/IITCareers Illinois Tech Career Services Group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/14088794/ Check out Illinois Tech Connect: https://illinoistechconnect.iit.edu/

My guest this week was a Camras scholar, and he graduated in 2022 with dual degrees in Business and Marketing Analytics. Ahmad Muhammad lives by this quote: “Always question the world around you , but NEVER question what you have to offer it.”  Curiosity is key to finding satisfaction in life. Soft skills will really set you apart. When sharing on social media, remember, it’s not just what you’ve done, but what you’ve learned from your experiences that really matters.  Be consistent with your efforts. Stay ready so you don’t have to get ready.  Be yourself, be greater.   Listen in to hear more about his journey thus far.  He’s excited about what’s next for him, and so am I. More about Ahmad: While jumping headfirst into what the university had to offer, he carried a perspective as a former high-achieving student athlete turned into a committed lifestyle and entertainment marketing professional. Taking insights from experiences such as with 2K, Niantic, Warner Bros. Discovery, and more, he strived to create new opportunities for himself through support from industry leaders while showing others how to do the same in their respective fields. https://www.linkedin.com/in/ahmad-muhammad-11315b1a5 Stay in touch with Career Services: Instagram: @CareerServicesatIllinoisTech https://www.instagram.com/careerservicesatillinoistech/ Facebook: @Career Services at Illinois Tech https://www.facebook.com/iitcareerservices/ Twitter: @IITCareers https://twitter.com/IITCareers Illinois Tech Career Services Group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/14088794/ Check out Illinois Tech Connect: https://illinoistechconnect.iit.edu/

My guest this week was a recruited, student athlete for Illinois Tech’s Women’s Volleyball team.  She had other options, even full scholarship offers, but chose Illinois Tech because it was a great, high quality education and the best fit for her, especially being a first generation college student. As Lauren Joyce Hensel says, Illinois Tech took a chance on her and it was life changing.   Lessons she’s learned along the way: Networking and career fairs are so important in building connections and to vouch for you all along your journey. Concentrate on your abilities and strengths, especially as things change. Take advantage of every opportunity, even (especially) introverts.  If you don’t take that opportunity, someone else will. Engage and be active; this will help you achieve more balance. Find a mentor; they can be invaluable. Smart people try first, then ask for help. More about Lauren: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurenjoycehensel/ Stay in touch with Career Services: Instagram: @CareerServicesatIllinoisTech https://www.instagram.com/careerservicesatillinoistech/ Facebook: @Career Services at Illinois Tech https://www.facebook.com/iitcareerservices/ X: @IITCareers https://twitter.com/IITCareers Illinois Tech Career Services Group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/14088794/ Check out Illinois Tech Connect: https://illinoistechconnect.iit.edu/

My guest this week majored in Mechanical Engineering and minored in math, and now works as a Software Development Consultant.   Masha Staub, class of 2022, loved building things, and she loved computer science.   Then, a great company who wanted to help her grow and strengthen her interests in coding, found her.  On LinkedIn.   They put her in a boot camp to learn how they work (Agile), and she learned more about consulting.  This is what happens when you earn a degree and have a passion.  People find you.   Her advice: ·       Try something ·       Pull on that string; if it’s fun, keep pulling to figure out what you do and don’t like ·       Talk to someone at job fairs and network ·       They hire people, not qualities ·       Care about things                                      ·       Not everything needs to be a perfect fit   She and I agree: it’s very beneficial to know who you are.  This will serve you well as you grow in your career.   More about Masha:   Masha Staub, a German-American immigrant, grew up knowing she wanted to go into STEM. She graduated from IIT with a degree in Mechanical Engineering and a minor in Mathematics in 2022. Shortly after, she made a career change into software and now works as a Software Developer and Consultant for Thoughtworks. As the daughter of academics, she has always valued education and continuous growth. Outside of work, you'll catch her spending most of her time at the gym, whether she's running or learning boxing & Muay Thai. She's also been enjoying exploring Chicago and all it has to offer, especially before she moves back to Germany next year.    LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/marie-masha-staub-284105175/ Stay in touch with Career Services: Instagram: @CareerServicesatIllinoisTech https://www.instagram.com/careerservicesatillinoistech/ Facebook: @Career Services at Illinois Tech https://www.facebook.com/iitcareerservices/ Twitter: @IITCareers https://twitter.com/IITCareers Illinois Tech Career Services Group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/14088794/ Check out Illinois Tech Connect: https://illinoistechconnect.iit.edu/

My guest this week, Jonathan Weiland, started out at community college to explore what he liked. Then he enrolled in Illinois Tech and figured out in his post-graduation roles that he wanted to work behind the scenes.   He’s a great example of trying something and deciphering what was and wasn’t a good fit. Then making the change.  That’s the important distinction.   Jonathan’s advice: Be open and honest with your manager about your strengths; they’re more than likely to be receptive to you. Doing a good job is just the beginning; let them know what you’ve earned and learned, then what you would like to pursue. Always go into new opportunities with an open mind. Be a good listener and don’t be afraid to ask questions.    Most often, employers will do anything to keep you if they think you’re a valuable employee. So prove it!    Who knows? They may just even create a new role for you.   Stay in touch with Career Services:   Instagram: @CareerServicesatIllinoisTech https://www.instagram.com/careerservicesatillinoistech/   Facebook: @Career Services at Illinois Tech https://www.facebook.com/iitcareerservices/   Twitter: @IITCareers https://twitter.com/IITCareers   Illinois Tech Career Services Group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/14088794/   Check out Illinois Tech Connect: https://illinoistechconnect.iit.edu/

My guest this week, Ameena Payne, grew up seeing people in business type roles and thought she’d major in business.  So she earned her degree in business administration, then her masters and is now pursuing her PhD. What did she ultimately want to study? She didn’t know what was possible until she took this one unique course. She attended a design thinking class and it was aligned to her values. This class changed her entire mind-set about what she wanted in her life and what’s possible. Since then she has been creating her life based on what she wants the arch of her life to look like.  Very smart indeed! She and I agree, you never know where your inspiration will come from. Stay away from people who say “You’re not going to find anything like that!”  Maybe, just maybe… you’re the trailblazer! Her advice? Ameena wishes she had asked for help sooner.  We all need help along the way and the sooner we ask for it, the sooner we can move along. Finally, you don’t have to grind yourself down.  You don’t have to say yes to everything. In fact, it’s okay to say no.  It may just open you up to another opportunity. Resist saying yes.  Try it.  More about Ameena: Ameena L. Payne is a PhD candidate and strategic scholarship holder at Deakin University’s Centre for Research in Assessment and Digital Learning (CRADLE). Her doctoral research aims to better understand the lived feedback experiences of culturally, ethnically, and linguistically diverse postgraduate coursework students in Australia. Ameena is a recipient of the Alison Lee ‘Theory in Educational Research’ Scholarship (2023) as well as her alma mater’s Outstanding Young Alumna Award (2022). Her recent publications include ‘Humanising feedback encounters: a qualitative study of relational literacies for teachers engaging in technology-enhanced feedback’ (with Rola Ajjawi and Jessica Holloway) in Assessment and Evaluation in Higher Education. Her website is ameenapayne.com, and she is occasionally active on LinkedIn. Feel free to get in touch via email at ameena.payne@deakin.edu.au.  Stay in touch with Career Services: Instagram: @CareerServicesatIllinoisTech https://www.instagram.com/careerservicesatillinoistech/ Facebook: @Career Services at Illinois Tech https://www.facebook.com/iitcareerservices/ Twitter: @IITCareers https://twitter.com/IITCareers Illinois Tech Career Services Group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/14088794/ Check out Illinois Tech Connect: https://illinoistechconnect.iit.edu/

My guest this week took the scenic route.  For those of you who are new to this phrase, he took the long way “there”.   His first love was Kung Fu.  That’s right.  Adam Lewis did not care about computer science.   He attended night school to finish high school, then went to community college.  He wasn’t particularly excited about school at all.    Then one day he saw the space shuttle and he was mesmerized thinking maybe he’d study aerospace.   Next he discovered coding, and fell in love. He couldn’t get enough of it! He said it was a “discovery of love”.   Then one day as a software developer, he was listening to someone talk about a vision for data and voice control, and he thought to himself about the speaker – “he’s who I want to be when I grow up”.    System architecture was his new love.  So he worked on a way to make it happen. How? By talking to people like the CTO at Motorola Solutions and said, “you’ll be happy you hired me”.  And he was hired.  Eventually he made his way into cybersecurity.  Listen in to hear more.   Adam’s advice: Discovering new worlds contributes to exponential growth, not incremental. Get involved in conferences and meet ups. Build your network before you need it.  Participate and contribute, constantly. Be interested (passive), not interesting (active).  Say “tell me more” and then listen. And connect. Practice that more. I love what Adam said, “curiosity is a hug”  I couldn’t agree more.  It’s telling people you care about what they are saying.  That’s really one of the secrets to successful relationships and a successful career. Best advice ever: You own your career, NOT your employer. More about Adam: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamcorylewis/ Stay in touch with Career Services:   Instagram: @CareerServicesatIllinoisTech https://www.instagram.com/careerservicesatillinoistech/   Facebook: @Career Services at Illinois Tech https://www.facebook.com/iitcareerservices/   Twitter: @IITCareers https://twitter.com/IITCareers   Illinois Tech Career Services Group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/14088794/   Check out Illinois Tech Connect: https://illinoistechconnect.iit.edu/

My guest this week, Alison McDonald, studied web design and app development. While she was at Illinois Tech, Career Services was an integral part of her success, especially helping polish up her resume. Aiding in her success were the excellent professors in our community and the environment over all. She recommends: Be focused and show up Apply your skills before and after your time at IIT Research companies Remain diligent Find ways to engage with fellow students Share and value other perspectives Be confident because you have a great school to influence your success. Look back at your accomplishments and see how they align with what you want and use these when you’re trying to find your next role. More about Alison: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alisonmegmcdonald  Stay in touch with Career Services:   Instagram: @CareerServicesatIllinoisTech https://www.instagram.com/careerservicesatillinoistech/   Facebook: @Career Services at Illinois Tech https://www.facebook.com/iitcareerservices/   Twitter: @IITCareers https://twitter.com/IITCareers   Illinois Tech Career Services Group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/14088794/   Check out Illinois Tech Connect: https://illinoistechconnect.iit.edu/

A first generation, Latino electrical engineering alum, who struggled mightily, but came through with grit, given his awesome work ethic, is an inspiration to the Illinois Tech community who aspire to be more, no matter where they come from. “This is the only thing for me”, said my guest.  Frank Landaverde realized early on, “it’s electrical engineering or bust!” During our conversation, he shares that it didn’t go well early in his college career. What changed it for him? He realized that in order to compete, succeed and get ahead, he needed to work harder than ever before.  He was extremely motivated. And he reached his goals. What does he recommend? Study leadership concepts early on. You’ll be a better teammate and it will make you more successful. Think outside of the box. Find a mentor! Pay it forward. Develop something. Adapt and adjust Be part of the solution. If you follow any of his advice, you really could reach levels you’d never expect. Just ask Frank! More about Frank: Frank Landaverde (EE ’93) - Partner/Director of Engineering - Tel-IT Technology Solutions Frank is a passionate and accomplished engineering senior leader with a proven history of achieving results through team building, innovation, and customer focus in small-business and enterprise environments. He is currently leading the engineering efforts of Tel-IT Technology Solutions, servicing the technology needs of the SMB market segment in the Chicago area and beyond. He aims to provide world-class IT solutions including collaboration, hybrid work, and cloud adoption to enable customers achieve their business goals. Previously, Frank worked at Motorola for 20 years, rising through various levels of engineering leadership. Always advocating for the customer, he led various large, diverse, international teams in the deployment and optimization of cellular infrastructure in over 30 countries on 6 continents. In 2006, he was awarded the CDMA Quality Award for the development of his innovative process of defect containment though the injection of field deployment results into the earliest product development phases. Throughout his 30-year career, Frank has recognized the acute under-representation of people of color in the technology fields. A son of immigrant parents from El Salvador, he has lived through many of the obstacles that tend to limit the intelligent, talented, and hardworking individuals that come from underserved neighborhoods. He is now passionate about helping at-risk youth realize that they too, can have a future in technology. https://www.linkedin.com/in/frank-landaverde-80b4916/ Stay in touch with Career Services: Instagram: @CareerServicesatIllinoisTech https://www.instagram.com/careerservicesatillinoistech/ Facebook: @Career Services at Illinois Tech https://www.facebook.com/iitcareerservices/ Twitter: @IITCareers https://twitter.com/IITCareers Illinois Tech Career Services Group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/14088794/ Check out Illinois Tech Connect: https://illinoistechconnect.iit.edu/

For Ankita Patwa, the job search was “tough”.  She graduated smack dab in the middle of the pandemic in 2020.  She studied environmental engineering and was the first person in her family to live in the US. But after a few short months, she had multiple offers.  Not bad, in my opinion. She assures us, you don’t have to have it all figured out now. The puzzle pieces are many, but the dots do eventually connect. When job searching, consistence and persistence is key.  As Ankita says “the earlier you start networking, the better you are”. None of your experiences ever go to waste.  Amen for that wisdom from her dad. Some of her other tips: When building relationships, don’t wait to connect; start building your network now! Ask alumni questions. Reach out to people who are doing it (whatever “it” you want to be doing). Keep building your professional development skills, always. Ankita wishes she took advantage of more opportunities when she was on campus.  Don’t make the same mistake.  Get involved!   More about Ankita: Ankita Sameer Patwa, Environmental Manager www.linkedin.com/in/ankita-p-a3b683137 Stay in touch with Career Services:   Instagram: @CareerServicesatIllinoisTech https://www.instagram.com/careerservicesatillinoistech/   Facebook: @Career Services at Illinois Tech https://www.facebook.com/iitcareerservices/   Twitter: @IITCareers https://twitter.com/IITCareers   Illinois Tech Career Services Group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/14088794/   Check out Illinois Tech Connect: https://illinoistechconnect.iit.edu/

As an international student, coming to Chicago for the first time, my guest this week, Hall-of-Famer, Liam Barrett, knew there were opportunities.   As a soccer player in the UK, he wanted to see what was possible in the US.   Through real life business experiences, and the IPRO advantages at Illinois Tech, he was getting what he needed.   Regarding his time at Illinois Tech, what does he wish he would have done sooner? He would have talked to other international students and asked them how they did it.  And considered other options after graduation.   Looking back, he realizes now that his grades and soccer were probably too important to him.  He wonders, did the 4.0 really matter?   While you’re still a student, consider this: what’s your next step?   Explore all of your opportunities.  See the bigger picture.   Finally, go for your passion not the money. It will lead you to what you want…straight away (and eventually).   More about Liam: During his four years playing at Illinois Tech in Chicago Liam received many accolades for both his athletic and academic accomplishments, including twice being voted the Academic All American of the Year for the entire nation in 2011 and 2012. Liam broke the school and league records for both goals and overall points with 61 goals and 24 assists in just 69 appearances. He was a four time all-conference first team player and twice awarded conference player of the year for the CCAC. Liam graduated in 2013 with a perfect 4.0 Grade Point Average, finishing first in his graduating class. Since moving back to the UK in 2013, Liam has obtained an MBA (Distinction) from the University of East Anglia, being recognized as student of the year in the process. He also runs his own company, U.S Sports Scholarships, which has over 50 members of staff throughout the world and has successfully helped hundreds of student-athletes from all over the world with their placement at American universities. www.ussportsscholarships.com  Stay in touch with Career Services: Instagram: @CareerServicesatIllinoisTech https://www.instagram.com/careerservicesatillinoistech/   Facebook: @Career Services at Illinois Tech https://www.facebook.com/iitcareerservices/   Twitter: @IITCareers https://twitter.com/IITCareers   Illinois Tech Career Services Group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/14088794/   Check out Illinois Tech Connect: https://illinoistechconnect.iit.edu/