On May 28th, 2024, students from Meeker Middle School embarked on an IGNITE Field Trip to T-Mobile in Bellevue, WA. This event included a campus tour, a visit to the Business Operations Center, and a panel discussion featuring top T-Mobile professionals. The event was designed to inspire and educate students about the diverse career paths in the telecommunications and tech industries.
The day kicked off with an engaging tour of the T-Mobile headquarters, led by Luna Garcia. The students marveled at the vibrant event spaces and on-campus restaurants, including a frozen yogurt food truck that serves employees. They explored the common areas filled with puzzles, games, and even walking desks, getting a feel for the innovative and fun work environment at T-Mobile. A highlight of the tour was witnessing a cybersecurity team in action, which sparked a lot of interest among the students.
The visit to the Business Operations Center (BOC) was particularly engaging. Here, Sarah Tole, Jordan Neuhauser, Christopher Hartinger, and Carl Ashurst explained the technology and processes T-Mobile uses to monitor real-world events and cell tower outages. The BOC employees made the session interactive by quizzing the students on what they had learned, and rewarding correct answers with T-Mobile notebooks.
The event continued with a panel discussion featuring Henry Li, Principal Hardware Engineering Program Manager; Ambareen Jaddi, Director of Cyber Protection & Product Security; and Sarah Potter, Senior Product/Program Manager. Each Panelist shared their unique career journeys and offered valuable advice. The students were highly engaged, asking a plethora of questions that showcased their interest in the Panelists’ jobs. The Panelists’ stories and tips left a lasting impression, motivating the students to pursue STEM subjects with confidence.
We extend our thanks to all the amazing Volunteers who made this Field Trip such a memorable experience. A special shoutout to our Panelists, Henry Li, Ambareen Jaddi, and Sarah Potter, for sharing your inspiring journeys and invaluable advice. Thank you to Sarah Tole, Jordan Neuhauser, Christopher Hartinger, and Carl Ashurst from the Business Operations Center for your engaging and educational session. Luna Garcia, thank you for making the tour fun for the students. We also appreciate the efforts of organizers Candice Boyd and Melanie Lenahan for making this event possible. Lastly, a big thank you to Educator Hannah Reeves for your support and dedication to your students and the IGNITE Program.
After attending this event:
65%
of students are interested in STEM
66%
of students know more about STEM career choices and the benefits of working in a STEM field
61%
of students feel more confident in pursuing STEM
68%
of students gained perspective and feel more hopeful about the future
Here’s what the students thought of the event:
“This event inspired me because of the stories of the professionals. Their excitement made me excited. My favorite thing was learning about the benefits. I found it interesting and helpful.” – 8th Grade IGNITE Student
“Today’s event inspired me to pursue a career in STEM. I learned more about how to do this. My favorite part was looking at all the cool stuff. Thanks, volunteers!” – 8th Grade IGNITE Student
“Today’s event inspired me to share my ideas and be more confident. Talking with the panel.” – 8th Grade IGNITE Student
“Today I learned about STEM. It inspired me by teaching me why I should join.” – 6th Grade IGNITE Student
“Today taught me the many benefits of working for a company like T-Mobile. My favorite thing I learned was that some good jobs don’t require college degrees.” – 8th Grade IGNITE Student
“I can be a girl in STEM.” – 8th Grade IGNITE Student
“It inspired me to try and not be afraid to accept opportunities. My favorite thing I learned today was the benefits.” – 8th Grade IGNITE Student
“I learned that STEM is very important and that, due to it, there are many careers to choose from. My favorite parts were the food and the tour.” – 8th Grade IGNITE Student
“It inspired me to be more extroverted. I liked learning how people use technology to stop bad guys.” – 6th Grade IGNITE Student
“This inspired me in many ways. For example, when they were talking about the ways T-Mobile supports its employees.” – 7th Grade IGNITE Student
“It truly made me think more about jobs and applying. I enjoyed learning about the food for the employees and their positions.” – 6th Grade IGNITE Student
“My favorite thing I learned today was that they actually read texts and criticisms online to learn about what their customers need.” – 6th Grade IGNITE Student
“It inspired me to follow my career to be a pilot. It was fun getting to learn new things.” – 6th Grade IGNITE Student
“It inspired me to find a career. I liked meeting the people and learning to be confident no matter what. I like magenta, and I like the team at T-Mobile because they’re cool.” – 6th Grade IGNITE Student
“It inspired me to consider doing what T-Mobile is doing. It was pretty interesting. I maybe want to come back again. My favorite parts were the spots where they were helping people and the food.” – 6th 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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