Kevin Patel, a May 2025 graduate of Purdue Polytechnic’s Computer and Information Technology (CIT) program, has successfully turned a summer internship into a full-time position as an associate business intelligence (BI) developer at Lids Inc. in Zionsville, Indiana.
"I chose the Computer and Information Technology program at Purdue Polytechnic because of its strong emphasis on hands-on learning and real-world application," Patel said. "The program offered a blend of technical and leadership development opportunities, and I was particularly drawn to the flexibility to explore different areas such as cybersecurity, networking, software development and data analytics before specializing."
That flexibility allowed Patel to discover his passion for data. After taking a variety of foundational courses, he was able to identify his strengths in data analysis and business intelligence, which shaped his career path.
Immediately after graduation, Patel began an IT internship at Lids, where he quickly made an impact. During the summer, his intern team won first place in the company-wide best group project award.
"My performance and contributions during that internship led to a full-time offer for the associate BI developer position, which I gladly accepted," Patel said. "This quick transition from intern to full-time professional was a significant milestone in my career."
Patel credits his experiences at Purdue Polytechnic, both inside and outside the classroom, for preparing him for this success. He pointed to his role as a teaching assistant as a particularly formative experience.
"My time at Purdue Polytechnic pushed me out of my comfort zone, particularly through my role as a teaching assistant under professor Tawfiq Salem, where I taught students .NET programming," Patel said. "This experience enhanced my communication skills, boosted my confidence, and taught me how to lead and mentor others."
And Patel’s advice for current and upcoming students? “Talk to as many people as you can—networking and building relationships will be one of your biggest assets," he said. "Make friends, collaborate with classmates, and don’t hesitate to approach professors with your questions—they are extremely supportive and willing to help."
"I am deeply grateful to my professor Tawfiq Salem, peers, and mentors who supported and guided me throughout my journey," he said. "The experiences I gained at Purdue Polytechnic have set a solid foundation for my career in data analytics."
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