The Thomas J. Watson School of Engineering and Applied Science hosted alumna Ariel Posner to kick off this year’s Engineering Week, and invited her to share her journey from Binghamton University to PepsiCo.
Posner, who graduated in 2012 with a bachelor’s of science in bioengineering, now works in the PepsiCo Global R&D Beverage Platform Team. She supports the coffee and hydration platforms by working on systems to create and develop new products from the brainstorming stage until they reach the hands of customers.
Posner said she was excited to share her experience of growth with her fellow Bearcats.
“My initial thought was, ‘I only graduated three and a half years ago, how much could I have to share?’” Posner said. “I immediately kicked myself for having this mentality, reminding myself that my journey from classroom to graduation through the early years of my career have been full of growth because I have believed in myself.”
According to Cheryl Monachino, the director of industrial outreach for Watson, Engineering Week is a time for engineers across the country to show pride for their chosen career path. The week is filled with student-run events like a talent show on Monday, Tuesday night dinner, group trivia on Wednesday, networking events on Thursday and a community day on Saturday.
Posner shared insight into the world of opportunity that exists for engineering students beyond graduation. When Posner first came to BU in 2009, she thought she wanted to go into biomedical engineering. But after taking various courses offered at BU, she said she realized that her current field of complex systems engineering was what truly interested her.
When she was offered a position with PepsiCo as an associate engineer after she graduated from BU, she decided to embrace the challenge and accept the role. She said that her background at BU helped her by giving her opportunities to grow, even if she didn’t realize it at the time.
“Looking back I believe there are several key aspects of Binghamton’s engineering program and extracurricular activities that I attribute to my growth, adaptability and success,” Posner said. “These include semester projects, professional skills courses and senior design project. As a student, I didn’t fully appreciate all of these assignments or even fully understand how they could help me grow.”
Many Watson students who attended said the talk gave insight into the professional engineering world. Adam Weiner, a junior majoring in electrical engineering, attended the event with other members of the engineering fraternity Theta Tau. Weiner said Posner’s story of moving up in a large company like PepsiCo was inspirational.
“PepsiCo is a huge company, so to hear someone come and speak from PepsiCo is definitely beneficial for everyone,” Weiner said.
Posner advised students to start building their professional networks early and get advice on opportunities, resumes and interview skills.
“Network like it’s your full-time job,” Posner said. “Reach out to family, friends and use LinkedIn to connect with as many experts as possible.”
Prisca Hoffstaetter, a sophomore majoring in industrial and systems engineering, said she left the event feeling empowered and inspired.
“I really wanted to expose myself more to the engineering community,” Hoffstaetter said. “I learned the power of believing in yourself and pushing yourself through your career.”
Posner reminded students that although the engineering curriculum can be tough, it is important to stay motivated and passionate.
“As a student, I often remember being asked why I chose such a hard major, but looking back I never once had this question for myself,” Posner said. “My answer to my fellow friends, students and family was that while [it] may be hard in the moment, when you’re really interested and passionate about your work, you embrace and enjoy the challenges along the way.”