Why did you choose to study business at WPI? 

I chose to study business at WPI - specifically information systems - because it was a program I really couldn't get anywhere else. I have always wanted to study at the intersection of business and technology, specifically how technology and cybersecurity play into consulting work. I have always been someone both interested in cybersecurity from a technical perspective, and also business from a less technical perspective. The fact that I can take both computer science/cybersecurity classes and business/system design/consulting classes for my major is incredible. Most other schools I looked at didn't have anything like it. 

Furthermore, I feel that WPI has greatly reimagined what it means to be an information systems major - gone are the days of it just being a stand-in for IT roles. Now, I feel that it truly just represents the essence of doing business within STEM spaces (and it gives me the expertise to deliver). At WPI, and especially at the business school, I feel that I can achieve anything that I want out of my academic goals. I got to propose my own Major Qualifying Project (MQP), pick an Interactive Qualifying Project (IQP) project that spoke to my skills, and create/participate in roles that allow me to make an impact at and around WPI. I also have found that in being a part of the business school, I have met wonderful professors who are not only interested in my academic success but are truly representative of what it means to be a mentor.

What are your career goals, and how is your academic program helping you reach them?

At the start of my time at WPI, I had admittedly set myself some pretty lofty career goals: I wanted to do a 2nd-3rd year internship, a 3rd-4th year internship and ultimately be hired for a career in cybersecurity or consulting. Obviously, being a junior this year, I can't speak to the last one, but I can speak to the other goals.

As far as internships go, last summer I got to work at Guidepoint Security as a cyber threat analyst intern on the Guidepoint Research Intelligence Team. I worked in threat actor communications and ransomware research where I got to aid in negotiations and research against terrorists and foreign adversary hacker groups that were extorting US companies. I also did a significant amount of research and writing for Guidepoint and had a decent amount of my work published in their Q2 Ransomware Threat Report. GuidePoint Security is a top-35 North American IT/Cybersecurity solution provider serving 5,900+ organizations.

I also will be working this summer for McKinsey & Co as a business analyst intern at their Denver, CO office. At McKinsey, I will be supporting client teams with structured problem solving, quantitative analysis, and strategic recommendations across complex business challenges. McKinsey is the #1 strategy and management consulting firm and the #1 most prestigious consulting firm in North America for 2026. The company has served over 70% of Fortune 500 companies.

My ability to land these positions always came down to my technical and business cross-functional fluency. This was something I could only learn from the WPI business school. I spoke to this frequently to colleagues, recruiters, and other people I've spoken with on my career journey: I will be the best businessperson in a room full of engineers, and the best engineer in a room full of businesspeople.

How would you describe the faculty in your program?

The professors and staff of The Business School are among the best I have had at WPI. I think they are incomparable in their ability to make you feel seen, cared for, and to inspire you with a willingness to learn and take interest in course material. The faculty organize tons of helpful events throughout the term, always make sure you're on track with your classes, and are exceptional about reaching out to involve students in community building with the business school.

What has surprised you most about business school at WPI?

For me, I was taken aback by how well I could still engage in the STEM and humanities classes I loved so much from high school. I've gotten to take some wonderful computer science, math, and creative writing classes in addition to my core business workload. I write and publish poetry on the side, work on CAD projects, and get to work with an aluminum manufacturer on my IQP in Iceland. I love that I am surrounded by all these wonderful engineers and scientists who always ensure that I am much more technically rounded and informed than any other business major at other business schools.

How do you think this degree will impact your future?

Already, my degree work has basically secured me my dream job, so for that I will always be grateful. But beyond that, it has enabled me to become the type of person who can be competent at everything. I can work on CAD with my roommate who works at the machine shop. I can work on system design problems with my CS major friend. I can talk about investing and finance with colleagues and advisors. I can lead consulting projects. I can help save US companies from being hacked. The WPI Business School has ultimately provided me with both the confidence and lived experience to be able to handle any situation - STEM or not. I know that whatever happens, I will always be able to learn and adapt to it.