After 10 years serving in the Navy, including many leading a team responsible for the network services of more than 300 surface ships at the Pacific Region Network Operations Center, Alex Banks needed a change of pace. He was overqualified for most entry level jobs, and knew he needed a college degree to pursue his career goals. He reached out to other universities in Idaho, who often referred him to their websites for more information. Then he visited the University of Idaho, personally spoke to a professor in the College of Business and Economics, and knew within a few minutes he was destined to be a Vandal. “He recognized right away that I wasn’t a typical undergraduate student and he just started asking me about myself,” said Banks, who graduated from Centennial High in Boise in 2006. “He referred me to other staff on campus and everyone I met with was very helpful. I just got that warm, fuzzy feeling when I visited the U of I.” That personal touch is one reason the U of I is ranked No. 3 in the Northwest in Military Times’ Best for Vets rankings. Another reason is the Military and Veteran Services Office, which helps students navigate Veterans Affairs education benefits, provides holistic support and community. Banks, a third-generation Navy sailor, suffered from depression and anxiety following his military service. He qualified for the Operation Education program, which provides individualized scholarship support as well as academic and career planning for veterans with disabilities. Banks said connecting with his fellow students can be challenging due to the difference in age and life experience. But he’s poured himself into his class work and taken advantage of resources like the Writing Center and drop-in tutoring. After seeing his dedication as a student, Professor Todd Martin encouraged Banks to pursue an internship at Micron in Boise. Banks spent last summer diving into data analytics at Micron, working on ways to improve efficiency in the company’s manufacturing. He impressed the company and landed a job offer. “I didn’t think I would like it, but I learned that I really enjoyed analytics,” Banks said. “I enjoy solving puzzles.” Banks will start his full-time job at Micron after graduation next spring, when he’ll earn degrees in management information systems and operations management. The journey hasn’t always been easy, but Banks is thankful for his support network and the faculty that engaged him on a personal level. “My professors always felt like they were equals with the students. I never felt intimidated or scared to talk with them,” Banks said. “I’ve learned a ton at the U of I.” |