The academic year has barely begun, but two members of the Class of 2010 have already received – and accepted – full-time job offers for after graduation. Raymond Junkins and Carlos Nunez, both Computer Engineering majors, have secured positions that they are both actually working part-time concurrently with their senior year.
Ray started with Choopa, a web hosting company, in early September. Though he also received two other offers for full-time employment, the offer from Choopa was the one he eagerly accepted. His role in the company is to oversee general server operations, which will require him to work closely with their data centers and network operation centers. Currently working 40 hours a week while also balancing 18 credits of courses, Ray says: “I like being in an environment where I am always challenged to learn more and do more. Choopa is an entrepreneurial company, and I like that there will be a lot of opportunities to take on more and challenge myself there.”
Self-proclaimed to “bore easily,” Ray likes to keep himself busy and motivated. He started the Cycling team on campus last year, and instituted the Stevens Bike Race, the second annual of which is currently being organized. Ray is also motivated by his professors and the connections he has made at Stevens, and hopes to one day pursue a Master’s degree and maybe eventually teach at the high school level. He says: “I grew up with a great influence from my grandfather. He taught me that you get out of life what you put into it. The harder you work, the more you get. I am driven by that, by wanting to achieve the most I can for myself.”
Carlos started with Macquarie Bank through co-op and knew right away that he wanted to parlay the experience into a full-time opportunity. He says: “Macquarie is a great place to work. For a big company, there is no hierarchy, everyone is accessible. I think I’ll be able to take my role and expand it to many other opportunities.” While there on his co-op assignment, he showed initiative and drive and eventually did receive the job offer. He now works one day a week during the school year and will join the Information Technology team full-time in June.
During his time here, Carlos was active on campus as a member of several Student Associations, the Society of Black Engineers, the Hispanic Engineers Society, the bowling team and the cycling team. He also participated in three co-op assignments that he says were great experiences: “I worked closely with the co-op office and they really supported me through it all.” Carlos also credits the diversity of his professors, the strength of the academic programs and the research opportunities with helping him grow and mature during his time at Stevens. The closeness to New York City didn’t hurt either. Carlos really valued the access that proximity allowed to major organizations and unparalleled professional opportunities.
“Stevens really helps you find your direction,” he says. “Without co-op, I wouldn’t be in the position I am today. They really emphasize the basics of networking and the process of getting a job. A Stevens education is an invaluable asset to anyone who is looking for a strong career after college.”