The decision to become a Boilermaker came easy for Alyssa Younker, a junior in the first cohort of students admitted to the Integrated Business and Engineering (IBE) program at Purdue University. This unique interdisciplinary major, a collaborative effort between the Mitch Daniels School of Business and the College of Engineering, represents a novel approach to education by blending foundational engineering principles with strategic business insights. As a member of the inaugural class, Alyssa has witnessed the evolution of this program from its infancy to its current status as a trailblazing degree at Purdue.
Alyssa’s journey through the IBE program has been filled with diverse experiences. From tackling first-year engineering courses to delving into business analytics, each step of the program has been carefully crafted to create a comprehensive understanding of both fields. Alyssa has fully embraced this multidisciplinary approach to learning by also pursuing the Certificate in Entrepreneurship and Innovation, as well as a concentration in hospitality and tourism management. Her ultimate goal after graduation is to join the amusement park industry, specializing in project management for attraction development.
One of the highlights of Alyssa’s experience in the IBE program has been her pursuit of the Certificate in Entrepreneurship as one of her specialty areas. She shares that the entrepreneurship courses are some of her favorites, appreciating the hands-on approach and the real-world application of business and engineering principles to entrepreneurship. The firsthand knowledge that her entrepreneurship instructors bring to the classroom has also helped develop her critical thinking skills that can be applied to various contexts and situations.
Beyond the classroom, Alyssa is actively involved in various extracurricular activities. She serves as the Director of Internal Marketing for her major, leading initiatives to raise awareness of the IBE program. Additionally, she is an ambassador for the Certificate in Entrepreneurship Program, a teaching assistant for a management course, and participates in intramural sports. Her involvement in Purdue’s Women in Business organization has also allowed her to contribute to its annual Leadership Conference, where she recruits speakers and organizes sessions aimed at empowering future leaders.
Alyssa has also immersed herself in the Engineering Projects in Community Service (EPICS) program, where she serves as a manager for the Imagination Station project at a children’s museum in Lafayette, Indiana. Alongside her teammates, she creates exhibits aimed at teaching STEM principles to young visitors in an interactive and engaging manner. Currently, her team is working on four exciting exhibits, each designed to provide hands-on learning experiences. Through EPICS, Alyssa has not only honed her technical skills but also discovered her passion for tourism-related endeavors.
Looking ahead, Alyssa is driven by a commitment to bridging the gap between engineering innovation and business strategy. With aspirations of making meaningful contributions to the world of amusement park design and development, she feels equipped with the skills, knowledge, and determination to navigate the modern business landscape. The interdisciplinary lens of the IBE program and the guidance of mentors in the entrepreneurship program have prepared Alyssa for a successful career in the intersection of engineering and business.
