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Read What Our Alumni Have to Say...
![]() As an LSAMP Scholar, Kendra shares that she not only had great STEM Peer Teachers who helped her in the Precalculus to Calculus courses, but she made many new friends. She also learned a lot about herself. Soon after Kendra began working as an LSAMP Peer Mentor for first and second year STEM majors, she realized that could be a mentor to her peers, and she loved every minute of it. While at CSU, she worked many different on-campus employment positions and fondly recalls that she enjoyed working in the Information Services & Technology department as well as the Library Systems department. Kendra graduated in Spring 2019 with a Bachelor's of Science in Computer Information Science and a minor in Mathematics. Today, she works as a Help Desk Analyst for PPG Industries. Her main duties are maintaining and installing the company’s software. She also helps assist anyone who is using the software. Kendra says that although she hoped to be doing web development, she is happy with her current position and everything she is learning and doing. She is grateful for CSU because of the many things she learned, the people she met, and the skills she acquired which she never thought possible. She loved every moment of her experience at CSU and is a very proud LSAMP Scholar and CSU alumna. |
In the end, Myles loved every second he had with OpSTEM and enjoyed meeting so many new people. While in college, Myles held an internship with the Department of Public Utilities, specifically in the water department. He says that this internship was very insightful and that he had lots of fun working here. Myles graduated in 2019 with a Bachelor's of Science in Computer Science and a minor in mathematics. Today, he works as a Software Engineer for MRI (Management Reports Incorporated) Software. Here, Myles does product development where he analyzes new product codes as well as fixes bugs and any other underlying issues. Myles says that he did not have very specific goals or hopes for after graduation except one: To be happy. He says that although this goal may sound cliche, all he wants is to be happy with his career choice. In his current line of work Myles says that he is still learning, but is 100% happy with his decision. |
Kevin graduated with a Bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering. He chose to go into this genre of engineering because growing up he always “liked to see things come together.” He also realized that since mechanical engineering is a broad field, there would be many possibilities of what he could do with his degree. Today, Kevin works for Lincoln Electric in Euclid, Ohio. He is currently in a year-long training program in which he rotates through each department of the company for 2-4 weeks and works on a specific project. He says that being in the workforce is much like his schooling at Cleveland State; working in groups, collaborating on projects and having deadlines. All in all, Kevin thoroughly enjoyed his 4 years at Cleveland State University. He says that although it is a small college, the degree you earn at CSU can compete with students who major in engineering at the Ohio State University and similar larger colleges. |
At her current position, Gabi finds it rewarding to learn from her experienced coworkers. As she describes, "Their willingness to explain processes, train, and help with any questions is impeccable." This is especially valuable because the most challenging aspect of her position— and many others—is the application of textbook material to real-world situations. OpSTEM and CSU prepared her for this in tandem, however, as she explains that both taught her time management, problem solving in difficult situations, how to challenge herself daily, and how to reach out when she needs help. Gabi gives this advice to STEM students: you can accomplish whatever you put your mind to; keep trekking, even when it gets hard; and listen to others when they recommend a certain professor! |
Her advice to current STEM students is to attend every class, make friends and take notes in each of those classes, and see professors during office hours. Lastly, she says, "Don't give up! I know it sounds cliché, but if I can do it, so can you!" |
Austin appreciates the encouraging nature of Sherwin-Williams, his current employer, and how it soothes the occasional lack of confidence felt when he is given very technical work. He shares this wisdom: "Ultimately, I must remember that if I wasn't properly equipped for the role, I would not have been offered the position." The focus on employee growth at his position is something he finds important, as well, and how he is able to approach challenges often and learn from them. Applying the skills he has learned from schooling and his co-op with the same company is very satisfying! To STEM students, Austin has simple, but powerful advice: don't give up. |