Curiosity drives the best problem-solvers

Will Jedrzejczak took what he learned at JMU and put it straight to work. From solving real-world tech challenges to landing a full-time IT role before graduation, he’s proof that momentum starts with asking better questions.

Will knows the value of partnerships. He credits JMU with giving him opportunities to explore, learn, and grow. His first stop after graduation is impressive—a full-time role with Palantir Technologies. He used internships to build a strong foundation of real-world experience, attracting attention from some of the world’s top tech companies, including Amazon Web Services and Palantir.

For Will, JMU “has been the place where I gained so much theoretical knowledge that I could apply directly in internships and other hands-on experiences.”

His internships and outside-the-classroom projects read like a highlight reel. With roles such as artificial intelligence engineer, national security cloud engineer, and cyber threat intelligence analyst, it’s clear that he’s put his classroom time to work in ways that go beyond expectations.

The lessons he’s learned at JMU will last a lifetime. “Things like how to be flexible, how to focus, and the need for constant skill development—those are all critical if you want to get the most out of yourself and make the best contribution to your team and your organization,” he says.

Taking the leap to try new things early in his time at JMU made all the difference. “Waiting is comfortable, but growth happens when you move first,” he adds. “Find the rooms that challenge you, and keep showing up.”