T&M Experience

by Sachi Goel

We were all drawn to the T&M for varying reasons. For some, it was the strong alumni network. For others, it was the engaging curriculum that serves as a bridge between the worlds of engineering and business. For me, it was the desire to join a program where I’d be surrounded by like-minded people and do something to make a substantial difference. T&M offers us numerous opportunities to spark change, such as Idea Box events where students can share their passions or philanthropy efforts we take on as a cohort. The opportunity to make a difference most dear to my heart is serving as a T&M Student Employee.

By Ian Flueck

As we rapidly approach the end of Fall 2021, I have been reflecting on my experience in the T&M Program this semester and I have a lot to be grateful for. Part of this blog will cover that reflection as a way for me to express my gratitude. Additionally, while reviewing the past four months, I identified some lessons in leadership that I feel would make a compelling story and provide a source of inspiration. My hope is that these anecdotal stories may offer generalizable themes that you may find relevant in your own adventures in leadership and personal development.

By Jennifer Rowe

T-Mobile is at the frontier of innovation. From robotaxis to drone racing, T-Mobile is committed to leveraging the 5G network “beyond the smartphone.” Dr. Ron Marquardt, Vice President of Advanced Technologies & Innovation at T-Mobile, shared his insights on the process for developing disruptive technologies at the Fall 2021 Hallene Lecture.

By Pranav Burugula

Being part of the Hoeft Technology and Management Program provides a tremendous amount of career opportunities, whether it may be at one of our corporate affiliates or by using the skills we learn in the T&M program elsewhere. Due to this, there may be times when we are fortunate enough to have multiple offers for positions at several companies. However, in these scenarios it is important that we learn to not only compare our options with respect to our career goals, but also ensure that we receive fair compensation for our work. In the negotiation workshop led by Kristina Wright, a Career Advisor in Business Career Services at the Gies College of Business, Kristina walked us through the steps we should take to get the offer that is best for us, from our initial interviews to accepting the final offer. By learning these skills, I felt more confident that I can not only work at places I enjoy by reaching my career goals, but also ensure that I reach my financial goals in the process.

By Nick Wageman

It is no secret that the global pandemic this past year has been a damper on many people’s minds and souls. While we are finally seeing things begin to go back to a version of normalcy, it is important to remember the devastation that this pandemic caused and how we can improve upon our response should another disaster like this ever happen again. One of the most experimental and successful groups which dealt with the rapid response of the Covid-19 virus was the RapidVent team composed of professionals at UIUC, Carle Hospital, and other organizations and commissioned by Dean Rashid Bashir himself. The RapidVent team successfully designed, prototyped, and tested a functioning ventilator for emergency use in overburdened hospitals in only 12 days; a feat that almost sounds impossible.

By Niharika Dangarwala

Financial planning can be a daunting task, but with the guidance from the Spring Speaker Series hosted by Chet Bandy, a safe and secure future is not as difficult to achieve. Chet graduated from the University of Illinois with a degree in Finance and as a member of The Hoeft Technology and Management Program Class X. He currently works at Northwestern Mutual as a Wealth Management Advisor.

By Amy Chen and Ramya Gandhi

As students immersed in a constant stream of opportunities and taking our first steps into the professional world, we are in a highly visible time. From first impressions to internship applications, the newly emerging virtual world has created unique challenges and opportunities for students. In her workshop “Etiquette & Professional Branding,” Patricia Cook dove into the many aspects that influence impressions, influence, and presence. Through the presentation of scientifically-backed evidence, anecdotal examples, and engaging activities, Cook helped us all take a deeper look at ourselves and determine how to elevate our impact from any seat. 

By Christina Garcia and Katie Roche

Technology is continuously evolving, but with these rapid changes it can be easy to overlook the cons by focusing on the new aspects. This is something that was demonstrated at the financial technology (FinTech) Spring Speaker Session hosted by Andrew Chapello. Andrew graduated from UIUC with a degree in Accounting and as a member of T&M Class XIV. He is currently working on financial software that has been criminally underserved by technologists as the Director of Product Management at FIS.

By Charlie Foster

If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it right? Not for Uber. Uber is constantly looking ahead in every aspect of their business from self-driving cars to using machine learning to optimize prices and routes and even innovating to create newer segments of the company like Uber Freight. On Wednesday, November 11th, five T&M alum and Uber employees came to discuss their work on a day-to-day, where they see Uber going in the future, and their advice for thriving at a company like Uber.

By Talya Carian

“We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them,” Albert Einstein once said. Innovation serves a great purpose in our lives; it is powerful and inspiring. Ogi Redzic, Chief Digital Director and vice president of Caterpillar Inc. with a focus on Cat Digital, came to speak to over 200 attendees about innovation. CAT Digital is going above and beyond to find new ways to solve problems, and Redzic sheds light on how a large successful corporation solves the world’s most pressing problems.