Denise Lorenzetti, director of the Fleishman Center for Career and Professional Development, got her BS in industrial engineering technology in 1994 and her MBA in 1997 from Binghamton University.

1. What was one of your most valuable experiences that you gained from your time at BU?

“I was a nontraditional student, as after I obtained my two-year degree, I began working as an engineer at [New York State Gas and Electric (NYSEG)] and completed both my [undergraduate] and graduate degree at night while working full time. After obtaining my BS in industrial engineering technology, I went right into taking courses for my MBA. As I was working many long hours at NYSEG, I began to question if obtaining my graduate degree would be worth it. I was taking a finance class from [Upinder Dhillon, dean of the School of Management and Koffman scholar,] and stopped by to see him, as I had a question on one of our assignments. After answering my finance question, we had a heart-to-heart talk regarding if continuing on with my MBA would be worth it. He inspired me to move forward and as he promised, between having a technical degree with my MBA, many doors opened and I will always be grateful for that advice! [BU] has amazing faculty and staff who are here because of their love for helping students, so ensure to take the time to tap into your resources, as you never know what doors it can open for you!”

2. How do you feel that BU prepared you for your current position as an employee of the University?

“The quality of education I obtained at [BU] prepared me for success both in my 23 years [of] working in the engineering industry prior to making a career change to higher education nine years ago into the career services field. Classes and projects I participated [in] assisted in developing my critical thinking skills along with obtaining strong leadership and communication skills. As the director of the [Fleishman Center for Career and Professional Development], these foundational skills I learned while obtaining my degrees, and which I have honed over the years, have assisted me in successfully leading a nationally recognized career center dedicated to providing students with exceptional service.”

3. How has BU changed since your time here as a student? Is there anything that you wish would come back or wish current students could experience?

“As I work in the career center, the first thing that comes to mind is how much the career center has changed since I was a student. It was located in the basement of the [Glenn G. Bartle Library] and was known as the Career Development Center (CDC). In March 2014 that changed, and the [Fleishman Center for Career and Professional Development] opened its doors in a state-of-the-art facility in the heart of campus in the [University Union] and has become integral to the [BU] student experience. It’s amazing the services and resources the career center now has versus when I attended the University, so make sure to check us out!”

4. Why did you choose to return to [BU] after being a student here, and what is it like to now be an employee?

“The reason I made a switch after working in the private sector for 23 years is my passion for assisting students. I enjoy providing guidance to students and assisting them on their career journey. It’s an extremely rewarding job and a privilege to be able to assist students in achieving their career goals.”

5. What is one thing that you think current BU students and future BU alumni should know?

“Keep an open mind, as you never know where your career path is going to lead you … there is a lot to be said about happenstance. I would have never thought 23 years ago that I would make it back full circle, working for my alma mater in such a fulfilling role. You never know where life is going to take you, so always be open to new adventures and doors that present themselves, as you don’t know where they may lead you. Also, network like crazy, as each of the jobs I obtained over the years was due to a person I had a connection with which helped to get my foot in the door!”