March 2020
Tom Mcilwaine
BA International Studies (Global Health and Environment); minor, PitE; minor, German ‘16
Hometown: St Joseph, Michigan
University of Michigan Affiliations: Pantanal Partnership, Beanster's Cafe, Epsilon Eta Professional Fraternity, PFC Representative
“After graduating with my International Studies Major, I knew I wanted to work in clean technology or an environmental field, but wasn't quite sure where to focus my search. After working briefly with a journalism nonprofit centered on global water issues, I leveraged that internship and my experience traveling to Brazil with the Pantanal Partnership in undergrad to enter the renewable energy field.
I found I could still make the impact I wanted working in the private sector and have enjoyed beginning my career in solar energy project development. I may return to school for an MBA or MS in the future, but I found my varied coursework and student organization experiences prepared me well for a career in project management. My current company is headquartered in Germany and my study abroad/German minor also was a plus during the hiring process.”
