Class of 2023 Beyond Graduation

Following their graduation on May 23, 2023, our undergraduate Class of 2023 will embark on an exciting new chapter in their lives. To commemorate this significant milestone, we have reached out to a selection of alumni to share their post-graduation experiences.

The alumni we have spotlighted hail from a myriad of backgrounds and have pursued diverse majors across Minerva's undergraduate colleges. Their narratives paint a vivid picture of the diverse paths and opportunities that Minerva graduates embrace after graduation, from joining the ranks of trailblazing companies like Intuit to continuing their education at prestigious institutions like Columbia.

A unifying theme among our graduates is their enduring commitment to effecting positive change within their respective communities and the wider world. As we look back on their time at Minerva, we eagerly look forward to witnessing the remarkable futures they are shaping. Here's to the Class of 2023!‍

Meet Mahmoud, a Natural Sciences major, as he reflects on how Minerva's global rotation helped him become a well-rounded researcher. Now a Computational Biologist at Eli Lilly & Company, Mahmoud learned that soft skills like adaptability and self-awareness, as much as hard skills like data analysis and hypothesis testing, have contributed to shaping him into the scientist he is today.

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"While the scientific method aims to provide an objective and systematic approach to understanding the natural world, I realized that its implementation is fundamentally a social undertaking, subject to the impact of cultural and social contexts. My research in different Minerva cities exposed me to differences in communication styles and variations in research practices. The different laboratories I worked with had its own unique culture and set of norms that shape the dynamics within the group. Engaging in these different environments allowed me to identify the most effective approaches for myself, informing my job search and the questions I pose during interviews to ensure an environment for my future research endeavors where I can thrive." — Mahmoud‍

Meet Ariane, a Social Sciences major, who shares her plans for after graduation, and explains how she came across this opportunity with the help of the Minerva community: “I will be doing a Master of Public Administration in Environmental Science and Policy at Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA).”

“I heard about this program from a Minerva alumna, Tessa Owens (Class of 2021), who did the same program two years ago. She was incredibly helpful in guiding me through the process. While I have always been really passionate about sustainability and energy, the community at Minerva has also supported my growth in this field. For example, my friends and I set up a student organization like the Sustainability Union of Minerva (SUM) where we could work on various climate projects for the community. Tessa and I worked together on SUM when she was still a student.” — Ariane

Meet Sichen, a Business major, and learn about how she felt supported by Minerva’s community and the Coaching and Talent Development (CTD) team in securing a position as a Business Data Analyst at Intuit post-graduation:

“I am interested in pursuing a career in the space technology industry or space tech Venture Capital funds in the future, so this opportunity at Intuit will build up my analytical foundation and business acumen. When I applied for the Intuit internship, I received much emotional support from friends and mock interview help from my CTD coach, Neha. My advice for ambitious students is that starting small or starting in another direction does not mean giving up; as long as your ambitions hold, it is just a matter of time, effort, and determination.” — Sichen

Meet Parker, a Computational Sciences major who joined Walmart Global Tech as a Software Engineer. Parker distinguished himself by acquiring hands-on experience in cutting-edge AI technologies and entrepreneurship, thanks to participating in Minerva's AI Lab and to the CTD team support.

“The CTD team introduced me to the AI Lab, a program run by Minerva and SoftBank. During the lab, I worked with two peers to build a company that provides AI-powered math prep. It was a very enriching experience! Not only did I gain exposure working with cutting-edge AI technologies but I also learned about entrepreneurship: identifying a gap in the market for our product to fill, pitching our product to investors, and testing our product on users. I believe that my experience in Minerva’s AI Lab was the distinguishing factor that caught Walmart’s interest because the program was so multifaceted, combining coding and business experience.” — Parker

Meet Udodirim, a Business and Computational Sciences double major, who is transitioning from a committed intern to a full-time Product Manager at Microsoft after graduating from Minerva. Nurtured by Minerva's Coaching and Talent Development team, her network, and her adaptive learning spirit, she paved her unique path in the realm of product management.

“The CTD team has been extremely helpful throughout my professional journey so far. They have helped review my resume and conducted mock interviews, shared so many opportunities and useful resources which I take advantage of (and still have bookmarked to date). CTD has also made introductions for me to other professionals in product management which has given me further exposure to the role and expanded my network. My peers and alumni are a constant source of inspiration and they are always very willing to share their connections, opportunities, as well as their invaluable experiences.” — Udodirim

We are beyond excited for the graduating Class of 2023. Although their paths have been very different, they are all driven by strong purpose and the desire to be agents of change. We are inspired by their stories and we are looking forward to sharing more alumni stories in the coming months.

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