Name: Coley Leo
Class Year: 2026
Title: Graduate Student
Organization: Notre Dame ESTEEM Program (M.S. Engineering, Science, and Technology Entrepreneurship)
1. In one sentence, what does your job entail?
Using STEM background to shape business and entrepreneurial ideas.
2. What planned and unplanned events connected you to your industry and your first employer after Holy Cross? How did you learn/decide it was a good fit for you?
I found ESTEEM through the Holy Cross Center for Career Development, when there were ESTEEM office hours held. I knew I wanted to attend graduate school and shift my career from a science heavy background to a more business/ people-facing career. The ESTEEM program was the perfect way for me to approach my career goals while still using the analytical and science background I gained at Holy Cross.
3. What were you involved in when you were on campus?
Athletics (Field Hockey)
Student Technology Advisory Committee
Working for Worcester
Academic Internship Program
Peer Career Advisor
4. What was your major and how did it affect your career decisions?
Chemistry and Statistics, strengthened my analytical and problem-solving skills and taught me how to make strategic, evidence-based decisions. In taking these classes, I was motivated to pursue a career where I can apply those skills to create real-world business solutions.
5. What are one or two skills that you developed at Holy Cross that you use in your work?
Holy Cross definitely helped strengthen my communication skills. I learned very quickly that having knowledge is not the same as being able to share your knowledge with others. Throughout my time at Holy Cross, I learned a lot about how to build communication skills with peers, professors, and faculty.
6. What advice do you have for students on campus today?
Use all of the resources available to you at Holy Cross! I spent a lot of time trying new things and speaking with new people to figure out what I really enjoyed (and what I didn’t). There won’t be many other times in life when you are surrounded by so many like-minded people and exploratory opportunities, so take advantage of that now.
7. What are your thoughts on how AI has impacted or will impact your industry? What advice do you have for students as they prepare to enter a professional world where AI is prevalent?
We use different AI tools every day, and my advice would be to get comfortable with various tools and how you should use them. Of course, never rely on AI to do the work for you, but know which AI tools to utilize to do your work efficiently and effectively.