Matthew Rodano

BS Electrical and computer engineering '04

(MEng, systems engineering, Stevens Institute of Technology '13)

Occupation: Software Test Engineering, Northrop Grumman Information Systems
Residence: Monclair, NJ

What activities were you involved in as a student and what did you gain from them?

I was a part of the theatre program (at Todd and student-run shows), as well as the track team, the Army ROTC program and the Newman Community. All of these activities allowed me to "branch out" and experience as much of what the campus had to offer as I could, not only making me a better student but also a more well-rounded person.

Initially I was attracted to the opportunities and flexibility of the Rochester Curriculum, but what cemented my decision was my first visit to the campus. Out of all the places I visited, it was the only one where I felt an instant connection to the school and the only place I was excited to learn more about.

What did you do immediately after graduation? How did you decide to take that path?

I entered school with a four-year scholarship through the Army ROTC program, so my post-graduation plans were predetermined. Immediately after graduation, I was commissioned into the Army where I served for six and a half years as a Field Artillery officer.

What do you do now and why did you choose this career?

I am currently working as a software test engineer, conducting testing with military software applications at the Army's Armament Research, Development, and Engineering Center. I consider myself very lucky to have found a job that is a perfect blend of the engineering knowledge I gained at Rochester with my real-world experience in the Army.

What advice do you have for current Hajim School students about their time on campus, graduate study, or the first few years after college?

Right now, you have access to a breadth of resources and opportunities, at the same time in the same place, which would be hard to find anywhere else. Take advantage of it! Class sound interesting? Take it. (Especially as an engineer, I had a lot of required classes but I was able to take things from astronomy to music theory to Italian.) Club sound like fun? Join it. Having trouble in class? Go to the library, or the lab, or your professor's office. There is always something different going on and you'll never know which one of them might be your true calling.