9/16/2025
On Monday, September 15, the Department of Industrial and Enterprise Systems Engineering (ISE) at Illinois proudly joined institutions and organizations across the globe in celebrating the first-ever Industrial and Systems Engineering (ISE) Day. The inaugural event brought together students, faculty, alumni and industry partners to showcase the impact of ISE and highlight the community that makes the discipline thrive.
From 10:45 AM to 1:15 PM, students gathered outside the Transportation Building to engage with faculty, network with peers and connect directly with companies eager to recruit the next generation of engineers.
The event buzzed with activity. Tables were lined with students from the IISE UIUC RSO who shared upcoming opportunities while catching up on the semester so far. Faculty mingled with students to discuss ideas and offer mentorship. Representatives from Simplified Computers and Caterpillar fielded questions about internships and career opportunities, sparking conversations that could turn into future collaborations.
Adding to the festive atmosphere, snacks and refreshments fueled conversations, while hourly giveaways and raffle prizes kept students engaged and excited throughout the afternoon.
While the Illinois event centered on its own students and faculty, it was also part of a larger, global celebration of ISE. Universities and organizations worldwide hosted events to mark the first ISE Day, creating a sense of solidarity and pride across the discipline.
As the first ISE Day came to a close, the excitement was clear. Students left not only with raffle prizes and snacks, but also with new connections, fresh inspiration and a deeper appreciation for their field.
The Department plans to continue building on this momentum in future years, expanding opportunities for students to showcase their work and connect with industry partners.
At its heart, ISE Day was about students coming together to celebrate who they are and what they’re capable of achieving. It reinforced that being part of Illinois ISE means belonging to a community of problem-solvers, innovators and leaders ready to make an impact.