Michael Reilly

Tell us about your current position.

My current employ is full time with Hohl Industrial Services in Tonawanda, N.Y. We are an industrial contractor servicing infrastructure, power generation, and a host of other items in our thirty-state reach. I have been at Hohl for sixteen years, I started as an individual contributor (Project Manager in 2005) and my current title is Vice President.

Additionally, I own a small corporation called Race Gates that supports the Motocross and Endurance Sports industries.

What did you like best about the Engineering Management program?

There are many attributes in this program that I enjoyed both on the professional and personal level:

• Classes were presented at a proper level of breadth and depth. 
• There was great flexibility in class deliverables thus, as students, we had the ability to work on items in our area of expertise or on items that we wanted to gain further knowledge of within the context of the curriculum framework. 
• The diverseness of the students and professors presented many viewpoints on real world engineering challenges that was viewed from multiple lenses. This really promoted broad learning and buttressed various solution opportunities for the challenges presented.

How did this program prepare you for your career?

I am a seasoned professional well into my career with over 30 years working experience. I didn’t realize how much “I didn’t know” or the real opportunities I had for improvements, this program enhanced what I know and brought clarity to items I could improve upon.

Do you have any advice for incoming students?

Yes, this program is geared for learning. The professors really care and are accessible. They are great resources and I encourage you develop professional relationships with the professors and classmates. We learn from each other and all are treated as equals.

The effort you put in will be rewarded with learning – make it meaningful!