Scotty Stories Carnegie Mellon University Career & Professional Development Center

Today we chat with Melissa Bruner, a CMU alum with a BS in Biological Sciences AND an MS in Healthcare Policy and Management! This is a MUST LISTEN for anyone who has ever second-guessed their job qualifications, worried it’s “too late” to pivot their career path, or questioned their capability to navigate CMU’s intense academic culture. Melissa’s unconventional and inspiring path is the perfect remedy for anyone in need of a career pick-me-up! Note: The audio is a little rocky in the beginning, but stick with it – Melissa’s advice is worth it!

In this episode of Scotty Stories, we talk to Arjun Ramachandran who received his BS in International Relations & Politics from CMU. As a former Tartan early in his career journey, Arjun has already made an impact in the world of international relations and development. Learn how his incredible involvement on campus at CMU positively influenced his future in politics and how he is already making the world a better place.

On this episode of Scotty Stories, we connect with former CMU student and athlete Kelly Cronin. We nerd out about structural engineering, dive into the architecture of our favorite cities and recount the close-knit CivE class culture here at CMU. Learn about her experience and views on the future of civil engineering. Note: She landed an internship after attending a career fair, kickstarting her own future!

In this episode of Scotty Stories, we talk to Lisa Masciantonio, Chief Workforce Officer at the ARM Institute (Advanced Robotics for Manufacturing).


Lisa both worked and received her Master’s at CMU’s Software Engineering Institute. After working on some of the biggest projects at SEI, Isaca and the Department of Defense, Lisa is now at the ARM Institute where she drives the national strategy to prepare, empower and train U.S. manufacturing workers to work with robotics and artificial intelligence (AI). Learn how she navigates the new innovative field of AI/robotics within manufacturing. Her insight is invaluable and her take on the future of tech careers is something students need to hear!

Today we talk to CMU graduate and developer Abhi Jain. After graduating from Carnegie Mellon in 2010, he hopped straight into the workforce, moving across the country for his career and family. Overcoming his fear of the unknown has driven him to success and he stresses the importance of asking for help. Abhi values his personal work-life balance and gives us tips on how he manages all aspects of life. Abhi has especially relevant advice for international students looking to find careers in the U.S., so don’t miss out on this episode!

Learn how Sirine navigated as a student from CMU (Qatar campus!) into her current role in global business travel. Sirine talks about the importance
of getting involved as much as possible on campus and in the community. She also discusses her healthy lifestyle and how it is of utmost importance in managing her work/life balance.