What is your favorite class and why?
My favorite class was LAN security fundamentals, it was great learning about different security and pen-testing techniques in a controlled environment.
How did you acquire an internship with Progressive?
I was recommended the internship from another CAE student while working on campus and acquired my internship at progressive through a pretty intense interview process, they were great and extremely thorough. I had to be interviewed by five different managers and pass an aptitude test to ensure I was a good fit.
What is the timeframe in which you will be an intern with Progressive?
My internship lasted 13 weeks.
What are some of your job duties?
I worked two different rotations during my internship, I worked with the Collaboration Ops team to troubleshoot and create many of the different collaboration tools that the company uses, working with different customers all over the country. The second team I worked with was the Systems and Infrastructure team who focus on supporting the company’s technical infrastructure ensuring availability, troubleshooting and resolving issues that affect system performance. I also spent time in the data center racking fiber interconnects and running fiber optic cable.
What is your major?
My major is Computer Engineering Technology
What job do you hope to have after graduation?
I hope to have a system engineering job, or a security engineering job.
What has been (so far) your favorite experience as a KSU student?
My favorite experience is the opportunity to create meaningful relationships and connections over the past three years.
Who at Kent State has stood out as helping you or inspiring you?
There are a couple of people that have stood out to me, the first is Jackie Ruller, she has always taken the time to stop and ask me how I’m doing, how classes are going, or if there is anything she can help me with, she has always been a very encouraging and helpful role model. Another figure is Brian Gardner, he is extremely helpful and willing to go the extra mile to help students understand material and better develop necessary skills to bring to the workforce, he also makes learning new things both challenging and fun.
What extra-curricular groups are you in at Kent State?
While at Kent State, I was a peer leader trainer, major mentor, and a few different intermural athletics.
Where (state/country) do you hope to someday live?
I have always wanted to live in Seattle, I have visited a few times to meet with tech companies and it is just astounding how many opportunities and experiences are out there.
What has been the biggest obstacle that you overcame as a KSU student?
The biggest obstacle for me was balancing work, school, and still attempting to have a social life.