Developing Opportunities to Inspire Curiosity

I knew what I wanted to be: A philanthropist, a leader, an entrepreneur. In other words, an engineer.

James Madison University’s project-based engineering program helped it all come together. The program built on my natural curiosity and passion for learning, fostering a broader mindset. My time at JMU opened doors by providing an opportunity to work on eight different projects, participate in leadership roles through the Madison Engineering Leadership Program, and as a Stanford University Innovation Fellow, which helped students embrace human-centered design.

As an undergraduate student, I also created an e-portfolio to help share my projects and passions with potential employers. When Microsoft reached out to me while I was still at JMU, I used my e-portfolio in the interviews, showing instead of just telling what mattered to me. And it worked. 

Of the two positions I was offered, I chose the consultant role. I wanted to keep working with a team to create new solutions. Here, it’s about clients, not code: Researching customer needs and working with them to develop the right solutions.

I am grateful for the foundation of learning I had in my early years, and for working with brilliant mentors while at JMU who helped me overcome challenges and keep growing.