Students POV: Hoeft T&M program bridges gap between business and engineering

In a job market as competitive as today’s, students do everything they can to stand out both on a resume, and in person. Meanwhile, recruiters are always looking for that student with unique experience to set them apart from the field. Students in the Hoeft Technology and Management Program (T&M) have little trouble standing out from the field.

“I applied for the program hoping to reinforce technical skills and entrepreneurial experiences with a taste of formal business education,” said Drew Bell, a mechanical engineering senior. “The network of 50 other highly motivated peers who are leaders across campus is also a plus.”

The Hoeft Technology and Management Program is a minor available to business and engineering student that allows them to take classes in the college opposite to theirs and work with students that they would not ordinarily have a chance to work with. Through this unique opportunity, students get a chance to experience work completely different from what they’re familiar with.

For business students, what stands out about the engineers is their impressive technical and analytical ability.

“The engineers are very adept at learning new concepts quickly and applying them accurately,” said Michael Sykes, a junior majoring in finance and supply chain management. “Specifically, I think they are learning a lot about applying thoughts and analysis to business strategy.”

Meanwhile, the business student’s traits that stand out to the engineers are more about presenting information.

“As an engineer, I noticed right off the bat that the business students were better at selling their ideas, curating a refined image, and to some degree, networking,” said Bell.

For T&M students, the benefits of the program go far outside the classroom. In addition to their unique academic opportunities, the students also have the opportunity to attend networking events with their multiple corporate sponsors. As the program continues to expand, more and more employers are beginning to specifically recruit T&M students.

“Each corporate sponsor is essentially paying for you to get the education they think is valuable,” said Sykes. “When a company invests in you, they expect a return on that investment ideally in the form of more candidates."

Often times, for employers not specifically seeking T&M students, the prestige alone of the program can give students and advantage.

“[The T&M Program] It is recognizable among many companies,” Said Alyssa Levy, a junior in marketing and business process management. “[It can be] a unique talking point in conversation or interview even with those who are unaware.”

Most of the experience the T&M students gain is a result of the coursework and networking opportunities mentioned above, but what many look forward to is the trip to China they have the option to go on following each spring semester. In addition to going sightseeing and sampling the Chinese culture, the students also observe some of China’s most successful businesses during the twelve-day experience.

“The T&M trip to China was a jam-packed, twelve-day, crash course through Chinese business and culture. We visited companies from the search giant Baidu to small shop manufactures, cultural sights like the Great Wall and Temple of Heaven, and cities such as Beijing and Shanghai,” said Bell. “Having had the opportunity to travel to Hong Kong for work since the trip, I can attest the trip prepared me for the challenges and subtleties of international business in China.”

For students interested in joining the program, the official process does not begin until after the fall semester, but there are informational nights for students in late November. Business and engineering students are eligible to apply during their fall semester. Students already in the program say applying should be an easy decision.

“It is a great opportunity and an honor because it sets you apart from the rest with something unique. You gain experience beyond just the coursework by getting the chance to interact with peers with different ways of thinking. The program opens a lot of opportunities within the university and with the corporate sponsors,” said Levy. “T&M is definitely beneficial in many ways.”
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For further information about the Hoeft Technology & Management Program, contact Darcy A. Sementi, director, 217/333-7412.

Writer: Nick Lund, Engineering Communications Office.

If you have any questions about the College of Engineering, or other story ideas, contact Rick Kubetz, editor, Engineering Communications Office, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 217/244-7716.