What is your specific role as an intern at the IDEA Center?
I was a Technical Market Analyst at the IDEA Center for the spring and summer of 2020.
What has been your main takeaway from your time working with the IDEA Center?
Through my experience with the IDEA Center, I learned so many valuable skills, including reading technical writing, putting together a slide deck, organizing meetings, and presenting findings to audiences with varying levels of technical knowledge. However, more importantly than the skills I gained, I learned so much about the groundbreaking research projects that our very own Notre Dame professors are tirelessly working on. Our professors do so much outside of the classroom, and I hope to see some of their products commercialized in the future.
What influence did your IDEA Center work have on your full-time career discernment (and what will you be doing)?
My experience at the IDEA Center taught me how an engineering background can be beneficial in many fields beyond those which are viewed as technical. Being able to apply my technical knowledge to a business problem at the IDEA Center gave me the confidence to apply to entry level positions across many industries. Over the summer, I will be starting at Stout Risius Ross as an Analyst in their Valuation Advisory group. As an analyst, I will work on projects across a number of industries, and I strongly believe that my technical background will prove to be beneficial in increasing my understanding of the clients and the work they do.
What advice would you give students at ND looking to get involved with the IDEA Center?
Don’t be afraid to reach out to anyone who works with the IDEA Center about ways to get involved! Everyone is very willing to answer any questions you may have. I wish I would have gotten involved earlier in my college career, so don’t wait to reach out!
Most memorable moment from IDEA Center work?
My most memorable moment from working at the IDEA Center was a virtual game night we had over Zoom. The team of interns, along with our boss, Kunci, spent hours playing Jackbox games. It was a great opportunity for us to bond outside of our typical work meetings.