Shreyas Bhide

What I appreciated most about the MIS program at UIS was that it didn't just teach theory from a textbook – it focused on practical problem-solving. Completing graduate certifications in Project Management, BPM, and Machine Learning gave me the technical foundation I needed. Representing UIS in case competitions through the Society for Advancement of Management (SAM) taught me how to break down complex business challenges using real data.

In my role at Amazon today, I manage technical programs, optimize processes, and use ML/AI for automation. The biggest lesson I carried over from my time at UIS is simple: always start with the problem you're solving, not the solution.

If I could share one piece of advice with current students, it’s to look beyond the classroom. Get involved in student organizations like SAM, take on hands-on projects, and put yourself in situations where you have to think on your feet. That practical experience is what truly sets you apart when interviewing at top tech companies.