College Experiences That Helped A CEO And Co-Founder At Gaiascope Succeed
Lauren's MIT undergraduate education provided a crucial foundation, not through specific classes or internships, but by fostering "problem-solving skills" and building confidence in overcoming challenges. This ability to approach obstacles, honed through a technical education, proved invaluable throughout a non-linear career path, enabling adaptation to unexpected opportunities and challenges.
Problem-Solving, Overcoming Challenges, Resilience, Executive/Leadership, Technical Skills
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Lauren Kuntz
CEO and Co-Founder
Gaiascope
MIT
Harvard, PhD 2018
Biology & Related Sciences, Engineering - Mechanical
Energy & Utilities
Data and Analytics
Scholarship Recipient, Student Athlete
Video Highlights
1. Develop a strong problem-solving toolkit. Lauren emphasizes that her MIT education equipped her with the ability to tackle difficult problems, a skill applicable across various domains and crucial for navigating a non-linear career path.
2. Embrace a multidisciplinary approach. While her undergraduate education was technical, Lauren highlights the transferability of the skills learned, showcasing the value of a broad skillset in a diverse career.
3. Seek out mentorship opportunities. Lauren acknowledges the role of mentors in her journey, suggesting the importance of networking and seeking guidance from experienced professionals in the field or related fields of interest.
Transcript
What did you do in undergrad to set you up for success in your career?
I always say, when people ask me what it was like at MIT or what the best thing I got out of my undergrad experience was, it was learning how to problem-solve. I don't think there's any individual class I took or internship I had where I thought, "Ah, this set everything in motion."
Yes, there were key mentors and people I was fortunate enough to meet. But I think at the end of the day, my undergrad education made me really comfortable with the idea that problems are hard, but I have a toolkit behind me, or I can figure out how to overcome almost anything.
This isn't just in a technical domain. While my education was very technical, the skills I used and learned apply across the board. I think that really set me up. It's been a winding career path; it has not been linear. I didn't imagine I would be here, but it set me up to overcome whatever obstacle I needed to.
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