Executive in Residence program students in Indianapolis prepare for unique spring break trip
Purdue students in the Executive in Residence program get unique connection opportunities with industry leaders like alumna Amy Hess (BS aeronautical and astronautical engineering ’89), executive director of the Kentucky Office of Homeland Security. Pictured from left are Oryon Zaragoza; Emily Zheng; Amy Hess; Nakori Cachiguango; Jordan Richards, assistant director of Residential Academic Initiatives in Indianapolis. (Purdue University photo)
INDIANAPOLIS — While many across the country head to the beach for spring break, Purdue University students in Indianapolis are utilizing the time away for a unique career opportunity.
The Executive in Residence program is traveling to New York City and Philadelphia next week for a trip focused on connection, engagement and industry knowledge.
“The goal of the trip is to provide our students with the opportunity to engage with executives and alumni, gain insight into different career paths, and build meaningful connections,” said Jordan Richards, who leads the program as the assistant director of Residential Academic Initiatives in Indianapolis. “They’ll have the chance to learn directly from professionals about leadership, industry trends and life after Purdue.”
Only 12 students were selected for this exclusive opportunity in a competitive process that included individual video submissions. Three of the eastbound group are Indianapolis students representing three different majors: interior architecture, mechanical engineering and computer science.
The Purdue students from both locations are collectively working on a small group presentation that outlines a technological disruption scenario, which they will then present on-site to industry leaders. Companies that the students will visit on the trip include Accenture, Johnson & Johnson and ProAutomated.
“It truly is an incredible opportunity to meet and talk to executives and people who are immensely successful in their fields to understand how they got to this point,” said Emily Zheng, a computer science student in Indianapolis who was selected for the trip. “I also hope to learn about their hobbies, listen to their advice, and what type of people they wish to work with, in order to apply it to my own growth.
The selected students have been working together through virtual and in-person training sessions and staying connected through a GroupMe chat where they ask fun “question of the day” prompts to keep the conversation going. Richards said that these personal touchpoints have helped students from Indianapolis and West Lafayette start building relationships before the trip, which commences March 14.
Created in 2014, the Executive in Residence program connects alumni and University Residences students in a new way, harnessing the selfless Boilermaker spirit into a unique mentorship program. As part of the program, prominent executives and Purdue alumni return to live on campus, and Purdue students get opportunities to interact with the execs in various mentorship settings — from lecture halls and residence halls to dining courts and racquetball courts.
For students interested in joining the program, more information can be found on the Executive in Residence page.