Post-Graduation Outcomes

The strength of a UIC graduate education is demonstrated by our students’ success after graduation. Open the panels below to see a selection of the companies, agencies, and universities that represented their first destinations after UIC.

What is life after UIC like for MIE graduate alumni? Find out below.

MS in Energy Engineering ’21

Company: Invenergy

What was your favorite course? My favorite course was LAS 493. I loved the diverse background of the students and the amazing guest speakers we had on diverse topics and issues in the energy storage sector.

How did UIC prepare you for your future goals? UIC has been absolutely invaluable in driving my career path. My background is not traditional for an engineer, but the amazing professors in the program ensured I was never left behind. I developed unique skills and connections that I would not have been able to find elsewhere.

Did you have internships, UIC jobs that helped you in your job search? I worked at the Energy Resources Center throughout my graduate program. I built so many relationships with others in the energy sector and found a wonderful support system there.

One-sentence “Words of wisdom” to share with students: Don’t be afraid to put yourself out of there; attend all the events you can, get to know fellow classmates, professors, and professionals, and you never know what might happen!

PhD in Mechanical Engineering ’19

Present position: Associate at Exponent

What does your workday look like? I work in the vehicle engineering division as a technical specialist for vehicle design and failure analysis. I use my specialization in dynamic systems and fluid mechanics to solve issues ranging from system design to catastrophic failures. My day-to-day tasks might include the engineering analysis of dynamic systems, client relations, and on-site inspections tearing down pieces of equipment.

What impact will your work have? By analyzing and understanding catastrophic failures, I hope my work will help industry design better machines such that those failures do not happen again.

Why did you choose UIC? I chose UIC because of the type of research that the engineering professors are doing and the university’s commitment to diversity. I think a diverse learning environment helps you grow much faster than a homogeneous one.

Favorite course: Transport Phenomena with Dr. Yarin

Engineering-industry person you admire most (and why): Neil Armstrong, for the obvious reasons.

Words of wisdom: Trying to balance your research tasks, coursework, and a social life is going to be overwhelming at first, but if you focus on one task at a time and relentlessly pursue it until completion, you’ll eventually get everything you wanted—and more—done. Just do one thing at a time.

MS in Industrial Engineering ’16

Present position: Engineer Manager at Tesla

What’s great about your job? It’s satisfying to be a part of an organization that is pioneering the transition to sustainable energy. Tesla is a fast-paced environment, and I’m always challenged here. I also love the ability to learn and evolve as an individual and as a member of a team.

How did UIC prepare you for your career? I got exposure to the latest production practices in process, operations, and ergonomics, which helped me to understand best practices in those areas.

What was the most valuable student organization you joined, and why? IISE  because it helped me in gaining knowledge and a green belt certification in lean manufacturing.

Favorite course: IE 463 Plant Layout and Materials Handling

MS in Mechanical Engineering ’15

Present position: Principal and founder at NM Engineering LLC

What’s great about your job? The ability to be involved in many projects, covering many facets of the medical device engineering space.

Student organizations you were a part of: Engineering Design Team (EDT), ASME

What was the most valuable student organization you joined, and why? Engineering Design Team (EDT). I was a general member my first year and moved quickly to President during my second year. It helped provide exposure to various facets in engineering, as well as lay the foundation for operating at a leadership role.

Engineering-industry person you admire most: Nikola Tesla. He targeted to revolutionize the physics and engineering space by leveraging his creativity and desire to do good.

Coolest thing you’ve done in the past year: I’ve been able to intimately be involved in the sensing and management of Type 1 Diabetes through various companies. It has been humbling to empathize with those suffering from T1D and try to help normalize their daily activities.

MS in Mechanical Engineering ’02

Present position: Vice President of Hub North at Volvo Construction Equipment (part of the Volvo Group)

What’s great about your job? The people and passion in the construction equipment business.

How do you hope your work will create positive change in the world? By being part of developing sustainable solutions for our customers.

How did UIC prepare you for your career? It helped me hone my skills in analytical thinking, gave me an understanding of cross functional technology, and also provided a diverse environment to help me practice interacting will all kinds of people.

Would you recommend the College of Engineering to new applicants? Yes, for a multicultural experience and the close collaboration with industry.

Master of Energy Engineering ’10

Present position: PBNA Supply Chain Sustainability Director, PepsiCo

Describe an average workday: I work from home and travel maybe three days a month on average when I visit manufacturing plants. My typical workday is a combination of presenting internally to communicate progress toward sustainability goals and developing projects to achieve these goals.

What impact will your work have? PepsiCo has a large sustainability agenda. My team addresses two priorities: water conservation and greenhouse gas emissions at our manufacturing plants. Our work helps the local watershed and contributes to combating global warming.

How did the Master of Energy Engineering program prepare you for your career? The classes were highly relevant to my position at PepsiCo, from developing skills such as problem-solving and project management to specific coursework in cogeneration systems, power generation, energy audits, and HVAC.

Favorite course topics: Power generation, cogeneration, and engines.

What’s the coolest thing you’ve done in the past year? Working on the redesign of a 50MW cogeneration system.