May 06, 2024

For Jude Dierker, being a Tiger means embodying honesty, hard work and perseverance. He says that while attending school here, he was surrounded by many great people who helped to instill those qualities within him.

A student athlete, Dierker was also involved in campus organizations such as Missouri Students Association and academic ones including Alpha Pi Mu, an honor society for industrial engineering students.

After commencement, Dierker will go to work at the Connors Group, an industrial engineering consulting company.

Read on for a Q&A with Dierker about his Mizzou Engineering experience.

Please tell us about yourself, and why you decided to choose Mizzou.

I come from a large family with six siblings. Growing up on a farm in Northern Kentucky was a fantastic experience that prepared me well for collegiate life. I decided to come to Mizzou for athletics, but after a short time here I was so excited that there was more to this university than just sports.

What made you interested in industrial engineering?

I love seeing how I can get from point A to point B in the most efficient way possible and industrial engineering provides just that. It focuses on mathematics and statistics to better understand where pain points are in a system and helps to alleviate those for the betterment of the organization/process.

What’s your favorite Mizzou Engineering memory?

It’s a recent one, but it has definitely been working on my senior capstone project, which is targeting improved patient flow at University Hospital. Overall, it has been a fun experience and I have been able to develop some great and lasting relationships. Secondly, Steven Hogg’s sales engineering class has been a lot of fun and maybe the most interactive class I have taken.

How did you get involved at Mizzou?

I am blessed to say I was able to be on the swimming and diving team my four years at Mizzou. On top of that, I took part in clubs like the Missouri Students Association, Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers and Alpha Pi Mu Honor Society.

How has Mizzou Engineering helped you achieve your goals?

I have been able to create many memories, develop lasting friendships and gain valuable knowledge and skills which will all translate into my professional career and beyond.

What’s next for you after graduation?

I am going to work for an industrial engineering consulting company called Connors Group in August. Before that, I am very excited to take a two-month-long trip to Europe, where I will walk the Camino de Santiago.