During their spring break from March 17 to March 24, 2025, a group of 88 students from Illinois Tech visited eight companies across the Chicago metropolitan area. The visits aimed to provide students with networking opportunities and industry insights prior to graduation. The initiative was organized by Illinois Tech’s Office of Career Services.
Nicholas Mancari, director of career development and engagement at Illinois Tech, highlighted the purpose of the visits: “They’re able to see what the workplace looks like, get industry insights, and build their professional network. We try to have multiple touchpoints for employer engagement, and this is one of them.”
Among the participating students, Rebecca Zhu, in her fourth year of computer science studies, shared her experience: “These visits were incredibly valuable because they gave me direct exposure to real leaders in the industry—not just their roles, but who they are as people. Each of them had a distinct personal brand shaped not just by their positions, but by their values, life journeys, and how they chose to show up.”
During the visit to Northern Trust, she noted, “how down-to-earth and respectful [the company’s executives] were toward students like me who are just starting out... They spoke to us, not at us. They emphasized the importance of being intentional, building relationships, and staying persistent—lessons that will stay with me throughout my career.”
Emily O’Brien, a recruiter from Invenergy, expressed her enthusiasm in hosting the group: “We were thrilled to welcome the brilliant engineering students from Illinois Tech to our office. Their curiosity and talent were truly inspiring. It was a fantastic opportunity to connect with the next generation of innovators and showcase our dynamic team and new office space.”
Other companies involved included Chicago Metal Rolled Products, S. C. Johnson Lifestyle Brands, WSP, Gensler, Euclid Techlabs, and Slalom. Ben Freemire, a senior research scientist at Euclid Techlabs, commented on the longstanding relationship between Illinois Tech and the company, stating, “Student support has been valuable to many projects over the years. The company has benefited from the contributions students have made, while the students gain real-world experience in the multi-disciplinary area of particle accelerators.”
Brian Vitale, principal and managing director of Gensler Chicago, asserted, “Hosting an event for students to explore the architecture industry is a powerful way to ignite their passion and creativity. It offers them a glimpse into the endless possibilities within the field, fosters connections with seasoned professionals, and empowers them to envision their future as innovative architects shaping the world.”
Reflecting on the experience, Zhu remarked, “The visit didn’t just expand my view of what’s possible—it made the future feel real, grounded, and within reach. That’s something you can’t get from a classroom alone.”
Illinois Tech’s Office of Career Services can be contacted at careerservices@iit.edu for those interested in participating in future annual spring break company visits.