Lauren Stites

About Lauren Stites

I build the bridges between premier engineering talent and the industry leaders who need their expertise.My work sits at the intersection of corporate relations, program development, and professional mentorship. I specialize in cultivating strategic partnerships with industry leaders to facilitate Master of Engineering (MEng) Capstone projects—transforming complex business challenges into high-impact learning opportunities. How I create value:Strategic Partnerships: I act as the primary liaison between industry leaders and Master of Engineering departments, securing projects that drive innovation and talent pipelines.Professional Development: I design and teach a professional development course that focuses on NACE career readiness standards, building awareness, while providing development opportunities in leadership, communication, and other \"soft skills\" required to thrive in corporate environments.Outcome Optimization: I collaborate with M.Eng leadership to leverage first-destination metrics and use department-specific engagement strategies to improve response rates.

Experience

1. Assistant Director for Professional Programs

   The Grainger College Of Engineering

   Aug 2024 — Present

   Spearheads professional development initiatives tailored for students enrolled in Master of Engineering (M.Eng.) and other professionally oriented, non-thesis degree programs. Formulates, maintains, and implements procedures and best practices related to experiential learning, developing and teaching professional development courses, and initiating and sustaining partnerships with on-campus units, industry partners, and other external stakeholders interested in sponsoring design projects. Leads initiatives to drive departmental engagement in student data collection by sharing resources, tools, andstrategies.

Education

• Eastern Illinois University

  BS, Education

  1996 — 2000

• Eastern Illinois University

  MS, Education

  2000 — 2001

Skills

• Student Affairs
• Team Building
• Program Development
• Cover Letters
• Networking
• Microsoft Office
• Behavioral Interviewing
• Higher Education Administration
• Career Development Coaching
• Teaching
• Entrepreneurship
• Handshake @ Illinois
• Highly Motivated Self-Starter
• New Business Development
• Passion for Helping Others
• Customer Service
• Data Analysis
• Student Development
• Job Search Strategies
• Public Speaking
• Mock Interviews
• Resume Writing
• Microsoft Word
• Curriculum Development
• Event Planning
• Strategic Negotiations
• Network Marketing
• Presentations
• Career Education
• Higher Education
• Microsoft Excel
• Career Counseling
• Grant Writing
• Leadership
• Microsoft Powerpoint
• Interviewing
• Academic Advising
• Student Engagement
• Recruiting
• Staff Development