Purdue Calumet alumna is Lear Corp. controller

"Purdue Calumet provides you with the fundamentals, but only individuals can make themselves a success."

Purdue University Calumet alumna Kristen Niemiec is a controller in the finance department at the Lear Corp. in Chicago, Ill.

Niemiec, who earned her bachelor's degree in industrial management in 1999, says the education she received at Purdue Calumet helped her understand the foundations of business relative to her position at Lear.

She began at Lear in January, 2005 as an assistant controller and was promoted to controller in August. "My knowledge of engineering and accounting helped me get there," she said.

She looks back on her own Purdue Calumet experience and says her professors from the School of Management made a tremendous difference in her life, particularly Paul McGrath, acting head of the Department of Finance and Economics, and Professor of Management Jonathan Furdek.

"They taught about things that go on in everyday business settings," Niemiec said.

Said McGrath of Niemiec, "She was completely fearless in the face of the most difficult classes we had to offer. She was certainly one of our most outstanding students, and we're proud of what she has accomplished since."

Furdek added, "Kristen is a testimony to the industrial management program. She has strong analytical skills and can compete with anyone, anywhere."

Purdue Calumet was a good fit for Niemiec, she said, because she was able to gain work experience through internships and attend classes during the evenings.

"To gain work experience while still in school, is essential these days," she said. "Internships are a massive step toward getting a job."

Niemiec returned to Purdue Calumet this spring to begin work on her master's degree in industrial management.

Niemiec says an education is important, but it won't get you very far unless you have determination. "Purdue Calumet provides you with the fundamentals," she said, "but only individuals can make themselves a success."

(Written by University Relations student intern Catherine Shipman)