Success Stories
Aisha Arrington
Master's Degree in Organizational Leadership and Supervision, May 2016LTC Ombudsman Program, Executive Director What is the number one experience you had at Indiana Tech that prepared you for your career?It gave me the confidence I needed to pursue my dreams. It was a lot of hard work; many late nights writing papers. However, sticking with the program while juggling family & work responsibilities taught me that I am a Warrior! I finished my degree while making strides in my professional career and had it not been for Indiana Tech – I don’t know if I would have pushed myself out of my comfort zone to become the leader I am today.What advice would you give to a freshman new to college at Indiana Tech?Hang in there! This is one of the most important investments you will ever make for YOU! Give yourself grace. Take the time to soak all this new information in and use all the hard work to create the person you want to be. You can do it!If you could go back and visit your senior self, what advice would you give regarding your job choices and career?Listen to your heart. Sometimes the heart will lead you to places that may not pay the best but rewarding work is priceless. When you do what you love or what you feel like you are “called” to do, opportunities will be offered to you – you will be successful!
Anthony Passarelli
Industrial & Manufacturing Engineering; B.S. 2019Facilities Engineer
What is the number one experience you had at Indiana Tech that prepared you for your career?
The great teachers and small classrooms that excelled my learning experience.
What advice would you give to a freshman new to college at Indiana Tech?
Don’t fall behind on studying.
If you could go back and visit your senior self, what advice would you give regarding your job choices and career?
Apply to anywhere and everywhere, you never know where you’ll get your shot at!
Valerie Parrish
Criminal Justice Administration; B.S. 2019Case Worker
What is the number one experience you had at Indiana Tech that prepared you for your career?
I love that the teachers at Indiana Tech like Dr. Justice Boyce, Kim Spielman, Dominic Lombardo, and Terry Shaw actually told you what the workforce was going to be like. They always gave real life experiences.
What advice would you give to a freshman new to college at Indiana Tech?
My advice for a freshman would be to ask questions if you don’t get something. I was that student that was in the professor’s office when I needed more help in homework, or I would always email the professor when I needed help. Don’t be afraid to stay after class to ask for help because the teachers at Tech want you to succeed, and get your degree so that you can walk across the stage and graduate.
If you could go back and visit your senior self, what advice would you give regarding your job choices and career?
I would of honestly told my senior self to get some type of internship field that I was studying in.
Amy-Lynn Graf
Business AdministrationHuman Resources and Recruiting Manager
What is the number one experience you had at Indiana Tech that prepared you for your career?
It is hard to pick just one. For me, it was the interaction with the professors in general. Many were still in the workforce, so they had great ways of tying what we were learning to real world experiences they had. Not only did that make the material more interesting and memorable, but I wasn’t surprised when I ran into that situation in my career.
What advice would you give to a freshman new to college at Indiana Tech?
Preparation is key. Use the mock interview days, resume reviews, networking opportunities and your professors to be sure that you are prepared to enter the working world after graduation. These are great ways to ensure you stand out when you’re trying to find the right fit for your first job out of college. It also gives you a chance to interact with potential employers and make a good impression on them. Be sure you put your best foot forward at all times, you never know when you’ll run into someone again that may have an opening that fits your skill set.
If you could go back and visit your senior self, what advice would you give regarding your job choices and career?
Be open to different opportunities that come your way. Something may not fit into the mold of what you thought you’d be doing, but if it’s a great opportunity and piques your interest, sometimes you have to go for it. Often, we find out that it is so much more than what we knew we wanted in the first place. I work with great people in a diverse and highly successful industry, and I absolutely love it. It’s not where I pictured myself and I enjoy it so much more than if I had gotten my ideal job at my ideal company.
Donna Paige
Business Administration - Human Resources, B.S. 2020Alverno Laboratories, HR-Employee Health Coordinator
What is the best advice you received from someone at Tech?
The best advice I received was from an online academic coach when I first started at Indiana Tech. Jenita told me to think critically. She also told me the key to being successful is time management. One of the most critical pieces of advice was to make sure that I communicate with my instructors. Lastly, she told me about the tutoring resources; that has been a tremendous help!
So far I have had a great experience being an Indiana Tech student.
Who did you receive this advice from?
Jenita Hurst
Patrick Stone
MSE, MBA 2016Zoeller Company, Corporate Director of Quality
What is the number one experience you had at Indiana Tech that prepared you for your career?
Indiana Tech Online allowed me to earn my degrees while working full time, raising a family, and volunteering. My degrees prepared me for growth opportunities and set me up for future success.The number one experience for me is the robustness of the MBA program. It encompasses all facets of running a business and prepared me for my role as a director.
What advice would you give to a freshman new to college at Indiana Tech?
Work hard and truly earn your degree. If you study and learn, you will be equipped with the skills you need to achieve your goals, regardless of what they are.
If you could go back and visit your senior self, what advice would you give regarding your job choices and career?
Pick your employer based on their culture. Use LinkedIn, social media, and whatever else you can to ask questions to people who currently work there. Are they happy? Do they enjoy their job and coworkers? Find out as much as you can and pick a company that has values that align with your own values. Lastly, make sure you are passionate about the role you will have and you’ll be excited to go to work everyday!
Kurt Bender
PhD Global Leadership, MBA 2014Harris Corporation, Director, Engineering IT
What is the number one experience you had at Indiana Tech that prepared you for your career?
My experience with Indiana Tech was largely shaped by the faculty. The professors throughout my MBA and PhD programs engaged in critical thinking providing a foundation for my academic development. One professor who stands out for me is Dr. Steven Dusseau. Dr. Dusseau represents the essence of an academician, a mentor, and a friend.
What advice would you give to a freshman new to college at Indiana Tech?
As a new college freshman, I recommend shifting the thought process from the work to the journey. Academic development will shape your adulthood and career. Enjoy the effort, it will make you stronger.
If you could go back and visit your senior self, what advice would you give regarding your job choices and career?
I have been fortunate in the choices I’ve made and resulting career progression. Patience and continued development have proven to be successful. My advice to myself would be to remain focused and maintain balance.
Rob Surber
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Management 2016Zimmer Biomet, Manufacturing Supervisor
What is the number one experience you had at Indiana Tech that prepared you for your career?
I’m not sure I can nail it down to one specific experience. I feel that it was the culmination of all the professors that had real life experience in the workforce. They were able to teach me the things that the books could not. Some had actually owned their own businesses, or managed large companies. In doing so, they were able to draw on their experience and make connections to the material they were teaching. They really seemed to care for this 43 year old student (who graduated at 47), and that filled me with confidence, that I really could reach the goals I thought were just dreams.
What advice would you give to a freshman new to college at Indiana Tech?
Take full advantage of the wealth, experience, and talent that is fully at your disposal. The staff of Indiana Tech want you to utilize them, ask them questions, learn from them. Your success is what drives them to do what they do. By all means have fun as a college student, but if you also work hard for four years, you will set yourself up for a lifetime of opportunity. Just so you know, my first attempt at college yielded a final .67 and a cumulative 1.67, so it was not much of a success by any measure. Nearly 30 years later, I was inducted into the National Honor Society and I graduated Summa Cum Laude with a 3.938. I say all this not to brag, but so you can understand that this can be for everyone that wants an opportunity for something better. If I can do this, you can do it for yourself.
If you could go back and visit your senior self, what advice would you give regarding your job choices and career?
I really don’t have any advice for the past. I believe that the choices I made and the career that I had brought me to the place I am now. I am currently doing the job that I expected to be doing after graduation. I feel the plan I came up with, and through the help of Indiana Tech and their wonderful staff, and my bachelors degree, that I have unlimited opportunity ahead of me.
Deirdre Hendersen
Master of Science in Management 2016United States Government, Claims Examiner
What is the number one experience you had at Indiana Tech that prepared you for your career?
The excellent curriculum of the Indiana Tech Online program. All of the instructors are knowledgeable and helpful. The set up of the coursework was easy to follow and maintain while being employed full-time. The discussion boards give students the opportunity to express their opinions and views on the subject and to broaden our learning experience. The information and knowledge I have gained has provided me with the tools I need to grow into a leadership position in my sorority. I plan to use my degree to become an adjunct online instructor so that I can give back to the university.
What advice would you give to a freshman new to college at Indiana Tech?
My advice would be to set up a meeting with an academic coach to help navigate through the first year. This will help with establishing study times and teach the student time management. If the freshman is engaged in extra curricular activities, it is very important to have a schedule in order to be successful.
If you could go back and visit your senior self, what advice would you give regarding your job choices and career?
Carefully research your career choice and make sure the degree you are earning will provide you with the proper educational skills to be successful.
Loni Robertson
Criminal Justice, A.S. & Psychology, B.S. 2014Gateway Rehabilitation Center, Research Associate
What is the number one experience you had at Indiana Tech that prepared you for your career?
My overall experience at Indiana Tech gave me the tools to prepare for my future. The small classes allowed me to get to know professors better and learn from their experiences as well as developing a forever support system. One important experience from Tech was being able to work on a research project with Dr. Boyce, Edgar Bolanos, and Jemilla White. Luckily, then picked me to join their adventure that took us to Las Vegas to present our research. That opportunity led me to Gateway Rehab where I’ve accepted a job as a research associate and a drug and alcohol counselor. My goal was to become an additions counselor and because of the opportunities and experiences I’ve had at Tech, I’m achieving that goal. I have been extremely blessed to be supported by wonderful people including my family, boyfriend, and my Tech “family”, especially Dr. Boyce and Dr. Harding. Without the education, experiences, and support I’ve received throughout my college career, I wouldn’t be where I am today.
What advice would you give to a freshman new to college at Indiana Tech?
Take advantage of any and every opportunity that comes your way! Participate in events and activities on and off campus. Don’t be afraid to ask for help-your professors are there to cheer you on and support you in any way they can. Nap often. Go to class and pay attention to the professor. Their life experiences will probably help you in the future (thanks Dr. Boyce)! Cheer on your Warriors at every game. Get out of your comfort zone and try new things. Most of all, have fun and enjoy every minute of it!
If you could go back and visit your senior self, what advice would you give regarding your job choices and career?
I would tell myself to allow there to be options and take part in any events that could be helpful in the future, especially anything hosted by the Career Center. Things that may not seem fun or necessary at the time could really come in handy later on. I’d also say “good job” on adding a criminal justice degree to expand your horizons, taking extra electives, and listening to professors.
Aubrianna Hazen
Human Resources 2016Make-A-Wish, Development Intern
What was the most beneficial thing you learned in your internship?
I learned that you do not have to be a doctor or a nurse to make an impact on children with life-threatening medical conditions and that was very beneficial for me to learn. I am extremely afraid of blood and I felt bad that I could not be a children’s doctor and make a difference in their lives. As a development intern, I got to make huge events that not only raise vital funds for the wish kids but also it gives the kids hope and strength to keep pushing forward in their medical journey.
What advice would you give other students on finding the right internship?
I wanted to be an employee at the Make-A-Wish foundation since I was in first grade. My advice to those who want to find the right internship is to go to a company that you could see yourself working at, will learn field field like your desired study, and look for something you would look forward to going to everyday. It will not be worth it if it is impossible to get up in the morning to go to it.
How has your internship affected you and your career goals?
I originally was positive that I wanted to be in the field, this internship opened my eyes to the possibility of a development officer as well. It has also affected me by encouraging me to look for companies that are non-for-profit that will allow me to make an impact on the community around me as well as go for the career I would like to pursue.
Best Advice Received at Tech?
The best advice I have received from someone at Tech is not to do something because everyone else is doing it or because it might make you a lot of money one day but rather do something you are good at, will enjoy doing every day, and that you can see yourself doing for along time.
Who did you receive the advice from?
Dr. Stacy
Wiebke Schlender
Sports Management & Marketing 2017Indiana Golf Association, Tournament Coordinator
What was the most beneficial thing you learned in your internship?
The most beneficial thing I learned during my internship is that you should always do your best and also step up to do things that you don’t like. Moreover, I noticed that it is extremely helpful to have good communication skills. This gives you the opportunity to make great connections for the future.
What advice would you give other students on finding the right internship?
In my opinion it is really important to put much effort in researching available positions. I think that you should apply for multiple positions rather than just to focus on one. When I was looking for an internship I also spent much time in reading success stories from previous interns. It was interesting to see what experiences other people made. This also gave me an idea of how a typical day of work would look like. Besides that, it is also helpful to talk to professors and get their advice for a possible internship field of study.
How has your internship affected you and your career goals?
The internship strengthened my career goal to work in the Sport Events area. I noticed how much I like and enjoy to be around sports, deal with people, and organize things.
Best Advice Received at Tech?
I received many different advice from people at Tech. Here I especially want to mention my advisor, Craig Dyer and the Career Center staff. It is extremely important to have a good resume and you should also focus on gaining work experiences in order to figure out what you want to do in the future.
Who did you receive the advice from?
Multiple faculty and staff.
Chauntiel Smith
Mack Sports Group, Certified Sports AgentWhat was the most beneficial thing you learned in your internship?
The most beneficial thing I learned with my internship was networking and building good positive relationships along the way for sure, but also learning the ins and outs of the sports industry.
What advice would you give other students on finding the right internship?
Get a LinkedIn account and Network Network Network especially with people field and reach out. Can’t get anywhere in life if you don’t reach out and speak.
How has your internship affected you and your career goals?
It has affected me a lot because now that I’m certified as a sports agent, my title has given me more attention and more athletes are reaching out to me as well as other agents, coaches, trainers, and GM’s. I’m in a place now where I can start building up my career. I’m able to become certified in other sports now as well.
Best Advice Received at Tech?
Follow your dreams and don’t stop ever!
Who did you receive the advice from?
Craig Dyer
Hunter Smith
Mechanical Engineering 2018Indycar LLC, Verizon Indycar Series Official
What was the most beneficial thing you learned in your internship?
First off, it was a job offer I created through hard work while I was in high school and the most beneficial thing I learned from this whole experience is that it is possible to wake up from a dream go out in the real world and actually make it a reality. I found it incredible how powerful my voice could actually be and the funny thing is this isn’t over. Actually, this is just the beginning.
What advice would you give other students on finding the right internship?
Never ever go for the money and don’t you dare do something if it isn’t building your dream. Go into it telling yourself you know nothing. LEARN from those who have already done it. Picasso once said good artists copy, great artists steal.
How has your internship affected you and your career goals?
Well, it has made me want to strive even further. I love the grind and cannot wait to go to work each and everyday to follow my passion and my love for motorsport. My generation can care less about it just because they can’t see the same thing I see. Cars going in circles is not what it is at all and it is very much far from it. Indycar is poetry in motion as every decision and move the driver makes must be purposely and deliberately made down to the smallest detail in less time than it takes for us to blink. Simply sad one of the last true sports where death lurks around every corner is now in a deep debate of whether or not it even is a sport. Its amazing that the ones who know the least are often the ones to be opening their mouth.
Best Advice Received at Tech?
Be stoic.
Who did you receive the advice from?
Dr. Susan McGrade
Chelsea Wiseman
Recreation Therapy 2015Bradford Woods Recreation Department, Assistant Cabin Counselor
What was the most beneficial thing you learned in your internship?
Don’t take things for granted. Because the smallest of things can truly be the biggest. The smallest things you can do for someone else can make the biggest impact on someone’s life. There was a saying of the woods the “best way to find yourself, is to lose yourself in the service of others” – Gandhi. The children I worked with this summer, all live with a physical or intellectual disability or have a chronic illness. These children are told “you can’t” or “you won’t” because they have a disability. An example of some things so small that most take for granted, that could mean so much; was the camper putting on their own pants for the first time (and it only took an hour) because nobody gave them the chance to do things for themselves because it’s easier to do it for them. Another example would be a little girl with terminal cancer. Getting to help her be a normal kid having fun and making friends. Despite the medicine pump and the lack of hair. How playing with a spider and make them so happy.
What advice would you give other students on finding the right internship?
When taking an internship for practicum, it’s a real job even If you don’t get paid or little pay. It’s chance to put in place I things you’ve learned in the classroom. The references connections you make at your internship or practicum can help you get a job later. Take all of what you learned about yourself and your abilities. Make changes maybe even take a few more classes. so that you can prepare for your real career.
How has your internship affected you and your career goals?
It has reconfirmed that this is what I want to do with my life. However I may have to rethink where I want to work. I still want to work with children with disabilities.
Best Advice Received at Tech?
When you have a setbacks, disappointments, or even failures, don’t give up keep trying. Don’t lose hope and learn from it. Make the changes you need to be successful. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or to ask for help.
Who did you receive the advice from?
Professor Beth Robinson
David Vaught
Computer Security & Investigations 2015Quality Intern
What was the most beneficial thing you learned in your internship?
I was able to get a lot of knowledge and first hand experience field I want to go into.
What advice would you give other students on finding the right internship?
Just look for one field. If you cant get one there look for something close.
How has your internship affected you and your career goals?
No, it hasn’t affected them at all. All it really did is made me want to work it again!
Ryan Cavender
Biomedical EngineeringResearch and Development Intern
What was the most beneficial thing you learned in your internship?
The most beneficial thing I learned was the many different areas of a technical lab I was a part of. Being in research and development I was able to be exposed to many different parts of engineering and influential people in the industry. Working with medical plastics was extremely important because it is in every aspect of biomedical engineering. Being able to discuss with my boss who has 40 years of experience with medical plastics gave me more insight then I have ever researched or learned on my own. Biomedical engineering is a fairly new engineering market and is continually growing, and being able to learn fro someone who has seen the development since the beginning was of unexplainable value. This taught me that you cannot learn everything yourself, that being able to converse with fellow employees and older individuals respectively will create a more well rounded individual in you and will shape you to be a crucial member of your workplace.
What advice would you give other students on finding the right internship?
In the areas of internships it is all about networking. Staying in contact with employers and personally reaching out to them is crucial. Employers love to hire inters from within their own employees (Children, close family friends, etc), so trying to find an internship on your own is really difficult. If their is an intern position that is really important to you, make sure the employer know who you are personally. Personal cards, emails, and written letters to follow up on a turned in application is crucial and a must. Employers remember names, make sure yours is one to remember!
How has your internship affected you and your career goals?
Being an intern at Quadrant has most importantly affected my confidence in engineering and solidified my knowledge that I have gained during my time at Indiana Tech. There was a substantial amount of learning that occurred during my internship. However, there was never a task or assignment that I was not able to complete. Having industry experience before graduation was extremely crucial to my future success because I know that I am just as qualified as any other engineer. Personally this confidence has really boosted me to really strive to be a biomedical engineer. It can be a scary and daunting task graduating college and not knowing the future. However, no matter what position the future has in store for me I know without a doubt I will be ready, and ready to make an impact immediately.
Best Advice Received at Tech?
You have to research every possible opportunity and revise your resume and cover letters to the specific position being sought after. A generic resume and cover letter is not enough. It takes a tremendous amount of time to develop these skills and needs to begin early. Don’t be lazy and work hard for what you desire because it will be beneficial in the end.
Who did you receive the advice from?
Jack Phlipot
Kelly Workman
Elementary Education 2018Indiana Tech, President Office Intern
What was the most beneficial thing you learned in your internship?
In my internship I learned the importance of the work you do. I have helped plan many events for Indiana Tech, and I was able to see what came out of it. Even the small things I was able to do brought joy and happiness to the employees and students at tech. That is all I want to do when I work. I want to help others be happy.
What advice would you give other students on finding the right internship?
When looking for an internship think about what will make you happy. You don’t want a job, you want a career. An internship is what helps you find your future career so it is very important.
How has your internship affected you and your career goals?
My internship has made me more sure what I want to do in my life. First, it has taught me that I want to help me be happy. Secondly, it has taught me that I don’t want an office job. Lastly, it has brought me happiness to help the students, and that’s what I want in future career.
Best Advice Received at Tech?
My best advice I’ve received was that I need to have a vision for my future. Not goals, but honestly consider what my future 10, 25, 50 years from now. I need to have a vision so I can achieve what I want in life.
Who did you receive the advice from?
Dr. Snyder, President of Indiana Tech
Andrea Ford
Fashion Marketing/Management 2015Shindigz E-Commerce/Social/PR Manager
What was the most beneficial thing you learned in your internship?
The most beneficial thing I have learned is to try to be flexible for work and hours. And open to ideas and others. Also give every assignment/task your all! Everything I have learned in briefly doing the social media and doing PR events are the hands on experiences I get. I have great accomplishments that I can use on my resume.
What advice would you give other students on finding the right internship?
I would recommend getting close and personal with your professors because they are great resources. They know the hassle and they’ve experienced it. They are more than willing to help with your internship search and get you one relevant to your degree.
How has your internship affected you and your career goals?
My internship has made a huge difference in my resume. Career wise, it has opened up the door for a more corporate job and not a mediocre retail job! The experience has expanded my abilities to a more professional standard.
Best Advice Received at Tech?
Keep working hard and don’t settle on being content with where you are.
Who did you receive the advice from?
Jeffrey Walls
Amanda Dicks
Biomedical Engineering 2016K2M, Product Development Engineering Intern
What was the most beneficial thing you learned in your internship?
The most beneficial thing about my internship was getting to apply what I have learned in the classroom to industry. Getting to see the entire product development process was eye opening and fascinating. I was able to learn from engineers hands on and make a difference in a company.
What advice would you give other students on finding the right internship?
Apply everywhere, give yourself lots of options. There is a lot of different stuff out there that you don’t even know about. When looking at the internship job description look at what they want and compare it to what you know. You want to be able to have an idea of what they require but still have a challenge and learning experience.
How has your internship affected you and your career goals?
My internship has made me realize there are lots of different positions for my degree. It has made me consider lots of career paths.
Best Advice Received at Tech?
Take responsibility for your own learning.
Who did you receive the advice from?
Jack Phlipot