From Classroom to Career: Young Professional Lessons from the First Five Years

The first five years of your career can feel like a crash course in the real world. One moment you’re confident in your coursework, and the next you’re navigating ambiguity, imposter syndrome, and expectations no syllabus ever prepared you for.

In this episode of Problem Solved, we sit down with three IISE Young Professionals — Helen Siegrist, President of IISE Young Professionals, Jessica Aujla, and Gordon Quach — for an honest, roundtable conversation about what it actually looks like to transition from the classroom to the workforce.

Together, they reflect on:

• The transition and shock of the first year out of school
• Finding your footing and earning trust in years two and three
• Growing confidence, leadership, and career direction in years four and five
• Navigating imposter syndrome, mentorship, and professional identity
• How IISE and the Young Professionals community can support growth along the way

This episode isn’t about having all the answers — it’s about learning through experience, community, and reflection. Whether you’re a student, a recent graduate, or early in your professional journey, this conversation offers perspective, reassurance, and practical insight from those who’ve been there.

🎙️ Problem Solved — real conversations about industrial & systems engineering in practice.

Learn more about IISE Young Professionals here and on LinkedIn.

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Problem Solved Executive Producer: Elizabeth Grimes
Interested in contributing to the podcast or sponsoring an episode? Email [email protected]