Dr. Jun Aguilar (BSME 1977), who served as Dean of the School of Social Sciences at the Loyola Schools from 2012 to 2015, recalls that the lessons he learned from ME helped him develop a disciplined mind, and to think outside the box. These skills helped him in his career as an educator and researcher.

Why did you choose a career in education?

After finishing my PhD in Development Sociology at Cornell University in 1982, it was only natural that I pursue a career in research and teaching. I realized that this was the career I really wanted because I took up ME with no clear idea of what I wanted to do with my ME undergraduate degree. The series of scholarships I received at the University of Wales and then at Cornell opened up opportunities that led me, one step at a time, to a career in education. But even then, I continued to search for my real interests, and my career path eventually led me to what I call Interdisciplinary History.

How are you able to apply the lessons you learned in ME in your work?

The best lessons that one can learn from ME, I think, are to develop a disciplined mind, while being broad-minded and able to think outside the box. Such mental acuity and agility would serve anyone well in any field, but it is particularly imperative in education, where one is constantly dealing with the world of ideas.

What advice can you give young ME students and grads?

We may not have many models of ME graduates who go into education, but you can be your own model because your engagement in education will be unique, given your personal interests and specific strengths. But realize that the education sector has been thoroughly internationalized, and research is a vital part of a career in education. As a result, a postgraduate degree from a strong university with a global reputation is essential. What you learn will not only be the substantial topics in your field, but also an entire academic culture.