As a Web developer and programmer for Maritz, Inc., Southeast graduate Andrew Hardesty relies heavily upon the education he received in and out of the classroom at Southeast. After all, it takes the right combination of technical and interpersonal skills to work on teams that design, implement and test high-performance Web applications for Fortune 500 corporations.
“I believe the organizations I joined and the leadership positions I attained have helped me transition into corporate America very well,” Hardesty says. “That, coupled with the education I received, gave me a major head start on my career.”
During his time at Southeast, Hardesty was a member and president of Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) fraternity, was a member of the Homecoming Committee, served as a Presidential Ambassador and was a manager for the basketball team when it advanced to the NCAA tournament. These opportunities, he said, allowed him to interact and communicate with peers, alumni, University visitors and athletic coaches.
“The individuals I met and networked with have played a major role in my current success and will do so in my future careers,” he says. “And, I have Southeast to thank for all of that.”
Hardesty now takes advantage of opportunities to help Pi Kappa Alpha’s national organization, serving as the chapter advisor for St. Louis University’s Pike chapter and vice president of his fraternity’s local alumni association.
Hardesty encourages future students to get involved on campus, meet as many people as possible and gain similar, invaluable experiences.
“Find a balance between having a social life and earning your degreeᾰeach is an invaluable part of the undergraduate experience,” he says.