Major:
Computer Science
Graduation
Year: 2020
Current Job Title & Employer:
Current Software Engineer at Oracle
LinkedIn Profile:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/agebre
How did working at the Center for Innovation impact your career?
Working at the Innovation Center allowed me to gain diverse perspectives and connect with like-minded innovators. The dynamic environment fostered creativity, collaboration, and the exchange of ideas. It also significantly boosted my confidence in tackling complex challenges, reinforcing the value of a collaborative attitude and an innovative mindset. Additionally, the experience strengthened my professional profile, helping me demonstrate key qualities in job interviews, which ultimately led to my current role as a software engineer. As I continue my career journey, the experiences from working at the Innovation Center continue to guide me, shaping my collaborative and ideation skills in my professional endeavors.
What was your favorite memory while working at the Center?
I have many great memories from my time at the Innovation Center, but a few stand out. Collaborating with my colleagues on design thinking and idea generation was incredibly rewarding. I especially enjoyed sharing knowledge with other students and seeing their excitement as they explored new concepts. One of the most fulfilling experiences was helping students bring their ideas to life using the state-of-the-art 3D printers in the lab.
What advice would you give to current Innovation Fellows?
My advice to current Innovation Fellows is to embrace creativity and never be afraid to think outside the box. Share your ideas confidently and make it a habit to collaborate with your colleagues regularly. Dedicate time each week to discussing and refining ideas—this will strengthen your problem-solving, collaboration, and ideation skills, which are invaluable for your career. Take on challenging projects, as they provide some of the best learning opportunities. Most importantly, be eager to help others—every problem presents a new opportunity, and the more you support those around you, the more you’ll learn and grow from each experience.
