Name: Christopher Greco
Year Graduated: 2014
Degree from Clemson: B.S. Industrial Engineering
Chris also serves on Clemson University’s Board of Young Alumni for Industrial Engineering.
How did your experience at Clemson University help you find your first position after graduation?
Clemson provided me with both the skills and the opportunities to succeed in the workforce. My IE degree taught me how to problem solve, which I have found is a desired trait in many careers, not just in engineering, and the co-op and internship programs are extremely helpful tools to gain real work experiences as a student, and leverage those experiences into post-graduate job opportunities.
If you had to do it all over again, what would you do differently?
I would have broadened my career search. Many undergrads fall into the trap of thinking that their major dictates limits of career opportunities they can pursue after graduating, and for the most part that is not true. Several years after graduating I realized that I enjoyed the problem solving aspects of engineering, but I was more passionate about applying those skill sets to solve a more diverse set of problems with more significant impact. That realization led me to return to graduate school for an MBA, and pursue a career in management consulting, where I now have the opportunity to leverage the fundamental problem solving skills that I learned as a Clemson engineer, in conjunction with the business knowledge of an MBA to to help the leaders of fortune 500 companies solve their toughest challenges in a variety of industries and functions.
What would you look for if you were in the position to hire new graduates from CU?
When assessing potential candidates I look for 3 things:
- Problem solving: Does this candidate have the intellectual and analytical horsepower to do the job required? Can they quickly become an expert in whatever the focus may be?
- Teaming: Do I want this person on my team? Are they a good team player, can they play different roles on the team, and are they a pleasure to have on my team? Work always has the potential to be challenging and demanding, it is much more enjoyable when you surround yourself with team players and can both trust and enjoy the members of your team.
- Continuous professional development: Will this candidate continuously drive to make themselves better? Are they open to, and inviting of, feedback? Professional development is never ending, I want to hire candidates who drive their own professional development, and are constantly eager to improve themselves.
What influenced your decision to attend your graduate school? Was it worth it?
I completed a full-time MBA from Harvard Business School. I found HBS to be absolutely worth the time and financial commitments required. I was personally attracted to business school because I enjoyed problem solving aspects of engineering but wanted opportunities to apply my skills to more impactful challenges in a more diverse set of industries. I found HBS to be an incredibly intellectually curious and stimulating environment. Being surrounded by such intelligent and curious students under the tutelage of such a seasoned faculty was the ultimate learning experience. 10/10 would recommend to a friend.
What advice would you give to current IE students?
How can we contact you?
Yes, always happy to connect with regards to Business School, or careers in consulting (particularly for engineers).
Contact Info:
Find me on LinkedIn
Instagram: @clemsongreco
