On May 1, 2024, IGNITE Students from Marysville Getchell High School and Marysville Pilchuck High School participated in an exciting IGNITE Field Trip to the T-Mobile Headquarters in Bellevue, WA. The event included a number of industry experts from T-Mobile including Panelists Sarah Potter, Principal Hardware Engineering Program Manager, Henry Li, Sr. Systems & Operations Engineer, Mariel Hartman, Senior Systems Architecture Engineer, and Beckie Stark, Senior Product/Program Manager, alongside Tour Guides and Event Organizers Sarah Tole, Luna Garcia, Candice Boyd, and Melanie Lenahan.
The day had an energizing start as students were welcomed with snacks and a tour of the headquarters, setting the tone for a day filled with fun, exploration, and learning. The standout of the tour was the Business Operations Center, where students encountered T-Mobile staff with a wide array of backgrounds and career journeys within STEM. Students learned about T-Mobile’s commitment to employee growth, including tuition reimbursement and opportunities for advancement. Students witnessed firsthand how T-Mobile orchestrates network management, including rapid response initiatives during crises. The room full of monitors and fast-paced environment left a lasting impression on the students, highlighting the company’s dedication to connectivity and community support.
The highlight of the event was the insightful panel discussion. Mariel, Beckie, Henry, and Sarah shared their career trajectories, emphasizing the diverse pathways to success within T-Mobile and the broader STEM landscape. Students were encouraged to embrace curiosity and step out of their comfort zones, echoing the sentiment that learning is the key to adaptability in an ever-evolving technological landscape.
As students savored lunch, they absorbed the Panelists’ advice on communication, the pursuit of passion-driven work, and the importance of mentorship. Thoughtful questions from the students sparked discussions, shedding light on the intricacies of navigating challenges in the tech industry and the gratification derived from impactful work.
From the insightful panel discussions to the immersive tour, the event empowered students to envision a future brimming with possibilities in the dynamic world of telecommunications and STEM.
We extend our thanks to the Volunteers who generously lent their time and expertise to this event. To Panelists Sarah Potter, Henry Li, Mariel Hartman, and Beckie Stark–thank you for sharing your careers and stories with IGNITE Students. Additional thanks goes to Tour Guides Sarah Tole and Luna Garcia and Event Organizers Candice Boyd and Melanie Lenahan for their contributions. A special thanks also goes to Educator Melissa Dilling, whose guidance and support have been invaluable in introducing girls and gender-diverse students to STEM through the IGNITE Program.
After attending this event:
72%
of students know more about STEM career choices and the benefits of working in a STEM field
71%
of students feel more confident in pursuing STEM
71%
of students gained perspective and feel more hopeful about the future
Here’s what the students thought of the event:
“Today inspired me to work here because of the environment and benefits. My favorite thing I learned was how there are many paths to STEM.” – 10th Grade IGNITE Student
“The volunteers were nice and they also very successful. I liked everything!” – 10th Grade IGNITE Student
“I really enjoyed this event and exploring more job choices. I liked learning about the volunteers’ backgrounds and experience as well as the opportunities.” – 10th Grade IGNITE Student
“It showed me that there are different careers that I can pursue in STEM that I did not even know existed.” – 12th Grade IGNITE Student
“This event inspired me to see that there is always opportunity. It also inspired me to do things I actually like. I really liked the volunteers. I also really liked hearing all the questions.” – 10th Grade IGNITE Student
“I learned how the volunteers paid for their tuition and how you can work for T-Mobile right after high school. I loved the food, the volunteers, and the tour.” – 10th Grade IGNITE Student
“It was great hearing about the salaries and seeing what the volunteers do every day.” – 9th Grade IGNITE Student
“It was a good experience. I liked getting a tour of the place.” – 9th Grade IGNITE Student
“It inspired me to be a tech designer.” – 9th Grade IGNITE Student
“I got a glimpse of diverse working environments, and I feel empowered.” – 10th Grade IGNITE Student
“I knew I wanted an engineering job. This was a good experience to know I could work here. I liked when the people were sharing about their jobs and what they do.” – 10th Grade IGNITE Student
“I liked how the company was based on the well-being of their employees and is such a fun place. I also love the diversity! My favorite thing was the business operations center.” – 10th Grade IGNITE Student
“This event showed me that everyone enjoys the work they do. I love the environment/the way they are treated. I really liked seeing the business room!” – 10th Grade IGNITE Student
“It inspired me to focus on what I want to pursue in the future.” – 12th Grade IGNITE Student
About T-Mobile:
T-Mobile US, Inc. is America’s supercharged Un-carrier, delivering an advanced 4G LTE and transformative nationwide 5G network that will offer reliable connectivity for all. T-Mobile’s customers benefit from its unmatched combination of value and quality, unwavering obsession with offering them the best possible service experience and undisputable drive for disruption that creates competition and innovation in wireless and beyond. Based in Bellevue, Wash., T-Mobile provides services through its subsidiaries and operates its flagship brands, T-Mobile, Metro by T-Mobile and Sprint.
About IGNITE Program Field Trip Events:
IGNITE Field Trips offer a memorable, behind-the-scenes look at STEM in action and the wide range of career opportunities at the host company. Company employees interact directly with the students through an office tour, hands-on STEM activities, and IGNITE Panel and Q&A discussion.
About IGNITE Worldwide:
IGNITE Worldwide is a 501(c)3 nonprofit STEM education organization that aims to change gender and racial equity in STEM permanently and systematically. We work directly with teachers during the school day to provide programming that promotes gender equity and representation in STEM academics and careers. Through our award-winning program, IGNITE provides engaging, hands-on events that connect students with STEM professionals from industry leaders from around the world. Learn more at www.igniteworldwide.org.
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