The visit, hosted by MIT Career Advising & Professional Development (CAPD), offered participants an opportunity to learn more about economic consulting—engaging in candid conversations, participating in consultant panels, and seeing how analytical work translates into practice across market and policy contexts.

Paths into the field

The visit included a tour, a panel discussion, and individual conversations with consultants. During the panel, employees answered questions and shared insights into their paths into economic consulting, including transitions from academia and the collaborative nature of their work.

Senior Energy Analyst Nathan Felmus described a recent case involving PJM’s electricity market, where his analysis informed pricing decisions across large regions of the country. “It’s amazing to know that my work is informing such impactful policy decisions,” he added.

During the visit, participants walked through Brattle’s in-house library, complete with a dedicated librarian—a resource consultants described as central to their work. In conversation, they shared that much of their growth comes from taking on new cases, learning deeply as each project unfolds, and building expertise through hands-on experience supported by mentorship.

Reflecting on fit and career exploration

For students early in their academic journeys, these conversations added valuable context. First-year student Maria Calvo shared that learning about Brattle’s roles, structure, and recruitment timelines helped her better understand how opportunities might unfold over time. “The visit sparked my interest in energy consulting and made me aware of upcoming recruitment cycles I hope to participate in when I’m eligible,” she said.

By the end of the visit, participants left with a clearer picture of what economic consulting looks like in practice at The Brattle Group and of the paths for growth within the field. Experiences like this, supported by CAPD, allow students and postdocs to explore careers through firsthand exposure—meeting professionals, seeing workplaces, and considering fit, whether for an upcoming hiring cycle or opportunities still ahead.

On behalf of the participants, CAPD thanks The Brattle Group for hosting a thoughtful and engaging visit.

Related Links

• Students: “Connecting with Employers“
• Employers: Explore Scheduling an employer program or event to learn more about CAPD opportunities. If you are interested in hosting MIT students at your workplace, reach out to the Employer Relations team at hiremit@mit.edu.
• Article: “Exploring robotics, scale, and systems through a Symbotic site visit“

From code to full-system testing

The visit, hosted by MIT Career Advising & Professional Development (CAPD), offered participants a close look at large-scale engineering work—meeting engineers, walking through active testing spaces, and seeing robotics and software operate together in a real-world setting.

As the group moved through the facility, Symbotic engineers shared how robotic systems are tested, refined, and supported as the company grows. Participants observed full-system demonstrations alongside focused component testing, while engineers answered questions about system design and the coordination required to keep hundreds of robots operating smoothly. Watching robots in motion—and engineers troubleshooting in real time—helped connect classroom concepts to practical engineering work.

Mechanical engineering junior Daniel Nwazue was particularly struck by the scale and rigor of the testing environment. Seeing scaled-down warehouse lines and long-term wear testing underscored the importance of understanding how individual components perform within a larger system. “It really showed how valuable it is to understand each component thoroughly so the whole system performs well at scale,” he shared.

Adapting to growth

The visit also provided context for the evolving nature of Symbotic’s work and physical spaces, giving students a clearer sense of how growing companies adapt as they scale. Jena Hook, a Campus Recruiter at Symbotic, explained that as customer needs grow and products advance, the site has shifted toward testing, repair, research, and design—helping explain the construction and new spaces students encountered during the tour. “Seeing the systems in action helps them picture how they could contribute here,” she noted.

By the end of the visit, participants left with a clearer sense of how robotics, software, and engineering teams collaborate at scale. Experiences like this, supported by CAPD, allow students and postdocs to explore careers through firsthand exposure—seeing workplaces up close, engaging with engineers, and reflecting on fit, whether for an upcoming hiring cycle or opportunities still ahead.

On behalf of the participants, CAPD thanks Symbotic for hosting an informative and engaging visit.

Related Links:

• Students-Connecting with Employers
• Employers-Schedule an employer program or event (employers)

Learn more about their experience and consider offering a similar opportunity in January.    

Company overview: Thespian Labs is an early-stage AI research team building foundation models that opens new possibilities for how humans and machines communicate. They are developing Large Behavior Models for human simulation, focused on expressive, embodied behavior that turns intent into natural, controllable performance.

The micro-internship was led by 

• Norbert Chang, CEO, entrepreneur and Lecturer with MITdesignX  
• Dr. Çağri Hakan Zaman, CTO, entrepreneur, researcher and MIT alum (PhD ‘20)

What made a micro-internship a good fit for your company?

“A micro-internship was an ideal fit because it allowed us to define a focused, short-term project around a real research problem we were actively working to solve. They produced actionable work that we were able to carry forward immediately.” – Dr. Çağri Hakan Zaman

What did you enjoy about working with the MIT students?

“The students brought a fresh perspective and energy to our team. They took initiative and worked through problems independently, often keeping things moving without guidance.” – Norbert Chang

The student perspective (from the team): 

“It was so much fun! Since day one, we were treated like part of the team and quickly got to work. The team was extremely knowledgeable, and we learned a lot from them. We’ll miss our metal friend (and the daily snacks) XD”

Photo (from left to right)

• Norbert Chang (Lecturer)
• Dr. Cagri Hakan Zaman (MS 14’ Computer Science, PhD 20’ Computational Design)
• Dr. Adam Kraft (SB 05′, MEng 07′, PhD 18’ Computer Science)
• Cheuk Hei Chu (Undergrad 6-4,18)
• Emmanuela Ilok (Undergrad 6-3)
• Mike Law (PhD Math)
• Alice Cheng (Undergrad 6-3,18)

Call to Action
Interested in hosting an MIT micro-intern? Learn more and express interest.

MIT students recently visited the MathWorks Lakeside Campus in Natick, MA, for a Women in Tech Trek—an event designed for those exploring careers in technology and engineering. The program introduced the Engineering Development Group (EDG), provided time to meet with MathWorks staff in a Q&A format, offered a tour of the workspace, and concluded with a hands-on MATLAB activity.

Takeaway 1: Explore to shape your career trajectory

The session opened with Engineering Manager Swetha Murali and a panel of women from across MathWorks, who described the varied routes that led them into technical roles. For the students—many still defining their professional direction—the visit reinforced the importance of learning, experimenting, and embracing growth.

Takeaway 2: Growth comes from tackling real-world challenges

Swetha spoke in depth about her journey, highlighting how EDG supported her growth from day one. She recalled her early years learning to code, noting, “I loved finding bugs, breaking that software, and then fixing that software.” Her guidance emphasized openness and persistence: be willing to learn, make mistakes, and keep going. She encouraged students to stay curious and engaged, adding that progress often begins with a single conversation—and that communication and a willingness to learn can open doors.

Students also heard from Ellie Stevens, MIT alum and Manager of EDG, who described how the program supports early-career hires through rotations, training, and a strong cohort model. After sharing her own path, she summed up her philosophy succinctly: “I am invested in people, and MathWorks is a very special place.”

Takeaway 3: Show up for opportunities that build momentum

Students toured the building and wrapped up the visit with a fast-paced software challenge where they used MATLAB to test ideas, troubleshoot, and refine their solutions—offering a clear view of how MathWorks tools support problem-solving in data science and engineering.

MathWorks and MIT have a longstanding partnership dating back to 1985, when MIT became the company’s first customer. For the students on the trek, it was easy to connect with the company’s hands-on and collaborative approach to engineering.

For Salma Bouzit ’27, Course 6, the trek was a chance to keep building momentum. “I knew MathWorks by name, but seeing how their engineers approach their career choices helped me imagine paths I might take,” she said. “I always try to challenge myself and build new skills, so this felt like an opportunity I certainly couldn’t miss.”

As students left the Natick Lakeside campus—where a new building is underway, reflecting the company’s continued growth—they carried a clearer sense of what people-focused, learning-driven engineering can look like in practice.

A group of MIT Mechanical Engineering (MechE) students recently visited Lexington Medical, a company advancing surgical-stapling technology for global markets, to learn about medical-device design and manufacturing.

The site visit—coordinated by MIT Career Advising & Professional Development (CAPD) in collaboration with the Department of Mechanical Engineering—was hosted by Alina Lisanke, Director of Talent Acquisition, and offered students a firsthand look at how engineering, design, and business intersect in medical innovation.

Inside Lexington Medical

Guided by Head of Manufacturing Margaret Kosten (MIT MechE ’20), students toured Lexington Medical’s vertically integrated operations, spanning product design, development, manufacturing, and shipping. Moving through engineering labs, assembly spaces, and testing areas, they saw how teams develop surgical staplers for use in operating rooms and even adapt production equipment to meet the company’s high standards.

After exploring the workspaces, students tested surgical staplers on foam models, seeing how even the curve of a staple can affect patient outcomes. “We dream in B’s,” joked Director of Engineering Jameson Kief, referencing the company’s “B”-shaped staples—an optimized geometry continually refined to ensure consistent performance and patient safety.

The visit concluded with a Q&A session featuring Founder and CEO Leon Amariglio, EVP of Technology Andy Marecki (S.B., S.M. ’12, MIT MechE), Director of Engineering Jameson Kief (MIT MechE ’20), Engineering Manager Carolyn Mothersell, and Mechanical Engineer Melissa Hummel (MIT Bioengineering ’23, current MIT EMT). Speakers emphasized curiosity, collaboration, and adaptability as key drivers of innovation.

Engineering with purpose

“For me, the visit to Lexington Medical was an incredible experience,” said Francisco Jeldres, a master’s student in mechanical engineering and engineering management. “It was amazing to see firsthand how mechanical and electrical engineering come together in the medical device industry. Even without a medical device background, one can still find a way to contribute and learn—bringing different skills together toward a shared goal.”

Hummel’s path echoed that same spirit of discovery and collaboration. As an MIT Bioengineering student, she once planned to attend medical school, but her experience as an EMT and her internship at Lexington Medical helped her realize a passion for the technical side of medicine—developing devices that improve patient care every day.

“This was a great opportunity for students to connect their coursework to current innovation and manufacturing processes and to hear how this work has a real impact on the lives of patients,” said Theresa Werth, MIT Mechanical Engineering Program Manager.

“These visits are a two-way exchange,” added Alina Lisanke. “For our team, it’s inspiring to connect with future engineers who share our passion for precision and problem-solving. For students, it’s a chance to experience a culture that values speed, agility, and innovation.”

This past January during the IAP season, over 60 MIT students and postdocs participated in site visits across a range of industries. These included The Brattle Group, Formlabs, Boston Dynamics AI Institute, and Symbotic. Each visit provided invaluable insights into the companies’ cultures, technologies, and innovative projects.

Key insights & connections

The Brattle Group: Consulting

At The Brattle Group’s headquarters in downtown Boston, students and postdocs connected with MIT alumni Sarah Hamilton ’12, Paige Vincent ’22, and Ragini Sreenath ’20. They shared their experiences and discussed major projects like the T-Mobile/Sprint merger and the FTX case. This global consulting firm, specializing in economic, financial, and strategic advisory services, has maintained strong ties with MIT since its founding in 1990.

Formlabs: EECS

Next, at Formlabs in Somerville, a leader in 3D printing and electronic & computer hardware, students and postdocs got an up-close look at SLA and SLS printing technology. They learned how these technologies are revolutionizing industries like healthcare, automotive, and aerospace. MIT alums at Formlabs shared their transition stories from academia to industry. They also explored the company’s innovation-driven culture, including its annual hackathon and dog-friendly workspace.

Boston Dynamics AI Institute: Robotics, AI, EECS

Students and postdocs then visited the Boston Dynamics AI Institute, located right in Kendall Square, Cambridge! They toured research labs focused on cognitive AI, athletic AI, and robotic manipulation. They saw the Spot robot in action and witnessed the humanoid Atlas robot walking across the lunchroom. It was a reminder of the groundbreaking moments that happen daily in this robotics innovation hub.

Symbotic: EECS, Robotics, MechE

Finally, at Symbotic in Wilmington, Mass, students toured the company’s Integrated Testing Center. AI-powered warehouse robots automate supply chain logistics at high speeds. Students and postdocs got an inside look at how these robots are built, tested, and deployed in major retailers like Walmart and Target.

Don’t miss out: Join the next site visit

These site visits offer an exciting opportunity for you to experience different industries, network with professionals, and explore potential career paths. We’re grateful to our campus partners and employer hosts for making these visits possible.

For more information on upcoming site visits and other career-focused events, be sure to check the CAPD events page.

 We look forward to another year of career exploration and hope to see you at an upcoming visit!

• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion – MIT community members value workplaces that are inclusive and welcoming of people from varying backgrounds, viewpoints, experiences, and ideas. In preparation for interviewing, employers should prepare their recruiters to engage with students and postdocs from different cultures and nationalities. Diversity training can help recruiters be more inclusive and improve communication throughout the search process. 
• Respecting Identity – Developing a good relationship with potential hires means appreciating how they want to be addressed. This could be relative to how they pronounce their name or preferred pronouns (she/her, he/him, they). If you mistakenly use the wrong pronoun, acknowledge it and try to use the correct one in the future. Look at the Best Practices: Respectful Pronoun Use in Recruitment offered by the University of Arkansas for suggested wording when interviewing. 
• Gender-based Assumptions – Inappropriate recruiting practices can manifest in various ways that reinforce gender stereotypes and create hostile environments. Employers are encouraged to examine their biases and avoid stereotyping roles based on gender. In addition, we caution employers against commenting on a candidate’s appearance, attire, or physical attributes, which is considered unprofessional. 
• Illegal Interview Questions – Employers should focus on asking questions about the skills, experience, and qualifications required for the job.  In general, illegal questions relate to a candidate’s race, gender, age, religion, marital status, nationality, or disability and are irrelevant to the candidate’s ability to perform the job. Examples of inappropriate questions:
  • Age or Family Status: How old are you? Are you planning to start a family soon?
  • Gender and Sexual Orientation: Do you identify as male or female? What is your sexual orientation?
  • Race, Ethnicity, or National Origin: What is your race? What is your native language? 
  • Religion or Political Affiliation: What religion do you practice, or holidays do you observe? Which political party do you support?
• Fair Hiring Practices—Employers should aim to use inclusive language in job descriptions to encourage all candidates to apply regardless of gender. Further, pay equity is critical to counter gender pay equity when developing compensation packages and salary offers. Employers should also be prepared and open to women and men negotiating job offers. 
• Alcohol-Free Recruiting—Creating opportunities to get to know potential hires over dinner or networking events can help find someone who is the right fit for a role and your organization. However, we caution employers from having alcohol at recruiting events as many MIT candidates are outside the legal drinking age (21 years) in the United States. In addition, alcohol can sometimes undermine the professional tone of an event or exclude individuals who do not drink alcohol for personal reasons. 

Additional Resources

• CAPD Recruiting Guidelines
• U.S. Equal Opportunity Employment Commission https://www.eeoc.gov/ – The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) is responsible for enforcing federal laws that make it illegal to discriminate against a job applicant or an employee because of the person’s race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related conditions, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age (40 or older), disability or genetic information. The EEOC website provides details on the laws and regulations that candidates in the U.S. are accustomed. 
• National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) – NACE is the leading source of information on the employment of the college-educated, and forecasts hiring and trends in the job market; tracks starting salaries, recruiting and hiring practices, and student attitudes and outcomes; and identifies best practices and benchmarks. View the Professional Standards for University Relations & Recruiting to learn more about the landscape of college recruiting.

If you have questions or would like to discuss interviewing at MIT, please see our webpage about scheduling interviews, and/ or email hiremit@mit.edu to meet with a member of the Employer Relations team.

Click on this link to read the the full news story,.

Restaurants convenient to campus

Convenient off-site hotels and the MIT Museum, where you may book your company events.