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What began as a high school job bagging groceries at Heinen’s led Riley Jones to a full-time career in IT. Now an IT Specialist at the company’s corporate office, Jones manages technology systems across retail stores, warehouses, and a datacenter. His work focuses on computer networking and systems administration, and he currently leads major projects in network standardization and equipment transitions.

“I support the technology used across multiple retail sites, warehouses, a corporate office, and a datacenter,” he said. “Right now, I’m working on standardizing our network environment.”

Jones’ path to a full-time career in IT wasn’t typical—but it was distinctly his own. He earned bachelor’s degrees in political science and computer engineering technology from ����ԭ��, ultimately finding his career direction through hands-on technical training and a longstanding interest in technology. While his interests began in the liberal arts, it was a passion for technology—and the hands-on experiences offered in the College of Aeronautics and Engineering—that ultimately shaped his career direction.

The hands-on curriculum helped him build skills that translated directly to the workplace. He credits courses in networking hardware and IT security—along with encouragement from professors—for helping him earn industry certifications like the CCNA. “The program often challenged me to work on larger projects that better demonstrated a real-world environment,” he said.

Outside the classroom, Jones found leadership opportunities in the ����ԭ�� Marching Band, where he served as a section leader. “That experience helped me work more effectively in a team and build confidence in leading others,” he said.

An internship with Heinen’s corporate office during his junior year helped bridge the gap between academics and full-time employment. “I believe some of the skills learned during my first year that I listed in my resume helped me land this internship,” he said. That opportunity turned into a part-time job and eventually a full-time position following graduation in spring 2024.

Looking ahead, Jones sees automation and AI playing a larger role in networking. Thanks to ����ԭ��’s emphasis on scripting and programming, he feels prepared to adapt. His advice for current students is straightforward: “Apply for internships during as many summers and breaks as possible. Real-world experience makes a big difference.”