July 2023

July 2023
Alyssa Pancho

(BS, Industrial Engineering, '22)

Q & A:

1. What was your favorite class, who was your favorite professor, or what is your fondest memory of Hofstra?
   My fondest memory is joining the Society of Women Engineers club! Being a part of a group with other aspiring female engineers helped me find a support system and was one of my first opportunities to learn leadership skills. In fact, it helped me get involved in Walmart’s Women in Tech group!
2. What was your first job after graduating Hofstra? What was the most valuable thing you learned there?
   My first job is the one I currently have: I’m an automation engineer at Walmart eCommerce! Since being hired, one of the most valuable things I’ve learned is knowing how to adapt to an ever-changing environment.
3. In one word, how would you describe Hofstra?
   Diverse. I’ve met so many people who have different perspectives and come from different backgrounds. College helped me connect with so many people that broadened my views and experiences.
4. What is your field of specialty, and how did you come to work in the industry?
   I knew I wanted to be an engineer since high school, but I was never sure what type of engineering I was best suited for. As someone who aspired to be a leader and loved being efficient, I was drawn to industrial engineering. However, I wasn’t sure what field I wanted to be in after college. My internships and class experiences helped me realize that I was drawn to organizational systems and supply chains.
5. What was a major obstacle you had to overcome to perform your job?
   Being in my first corporate job, it was intimidating to be around so many talented, experienced engineers. I had to realize that making mistakes and receiving feedback is a part of learning and improving yourself. I’m very fortunate to have a great team of people who encourage my career development and share their own past experiences.
6. Who was the person who most influenced you, and how?
   My peers in Theta Tau helped shaped me into who I am today. Being a part of Greek life has helped me learn responsibility, gain leadership experience, and get opportunities to give back to the community.
7. What is the single most rewarding/exciting experience in your career thus far?
   Traveling to sites across the nation and meeting so many people who support my personal and professional development!