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For Marilyn, a proud alum of the Pathway to Success program, the transition out of college and into the workplace wasn’t always easy—but it was shaped by meaningful experiences and a deep drive to grow.

Now pursuing a Master of Business and Science (MBS) degree at Rutgers University, Marilyn is focused on Engineering Management—a track she chose to bridge her technical background in Materials Science and Engineering with a broader leadership vision.

“Being part of Pathways helped me see that I didn’t have to choose between being technical or creative,” Marilyn shared. “I realized I could be both—and thrive in roles that connect people, systems, and ideas.”

The program, Marilyn says, left a lasting mark—not only did it inspire her, but it also equipped her with practical tools and real-world skills. Workshops like Wells Fargo’s Managing Your Money, Adulting 101, Interview Prep, and Energy for Performance exposed her to career and real-life aspects that most students don’t encounter until much later. From budgeting and understanding behavioral interviews to learning how small daily habits shape long-term outcomes, these sessions helped Marilyn navigate the professional landscape.

“I still use what I learned in those sessions,” she said, pointing to how they helped her secure an internship at Colgate-Palmolive.

Marilyn’s internship with Johnson & Johnson in 2019 sparked a pivotal moment, where she worked on business continuity and disaster recovery planning. It was her first time collaborating across technical, commercial, and operational teams. A candid conversation with her manager opened her eyes to alternative paths for engineers, including consulting and leadership roles. On this conversation, Marilyn recalls, “Sometimes one conversation can change everything.”

Throughout it all, mentorship was something Marilyn valued deeply. Her mentor, Jean Weir, has been a steady presence in her life since high school. “Jean always believed in me—even when I didn’t believe in myself. She reminded me of my strengths and helped me push through the hard times.”

Looking back, Marilyn says her biggest takeaway from Pathways is resilience. “Life won’t always go according to plan. But how you respond—how you adapt and keep moving forward—that’s what makes the difference.”

In terms of advice to current Pathways students, Marilyn says openness, curiosity, and positivity are key. “Be open. Ask questions. Say yes to opportunities, even the unexpected ones. The journey might not look exactly how you imagined, but that doesn’t mean it’s not the right one.”