Clarissa McMillar, a 2017 mathematics graduate from UT Permian Basin, exemplifies how a solid academic foundation can propel students into impressive careers. Her journey took flight after graduation, quite literally, as she joined Boeing’s prestigious Engineering Career Foundation Program.
“I’m currently an engineer within Boeing’s Engineering Career Foundation Program,” Clarissa explains. “This program offers a unique two-year rotational experience across diverse business units and product lifecycles. It’s a competitive entry point designed to accelerate leadership and technical skills development beyond the typical pace for early career engineers.” As a UT Permian Basin alum, Clarissa’s success underscores the potential unlocked by the university. She also serves as the communications lead for the program, showcasing her leadership and communication abilities alongside her technical expertise. Her roles within Boeing have been diverse, including positions as a quality engineer and stress analyst for commercial airplanes, and even as an applied mathematician in research and development, demonstrating the breadth of opportunities within Boeing and the program.
Her experiences extend beyond the office, with international travel opportunities enriching her professional journey. “I had incredible opportunities to travel to Japan and Korea in 2018 and explore parts of Europe in 2019,” she recounts, highlighting the global nature of Boeing’s operations and the program’s scope.
Clarissa attributes much of her post-graduation success to her experiences at UT Permian Basin. Crucially, her involvement with the UT System LSAMP (Louis Stokes Alliances for Minority Participation) program during her studies played a pivotal role. LSAMP provides intensive research experiences, allowing UT System students to collaborate with professors on real-world research projects, a factor that clearly boosted Clarissa’s skillset and resume.
“UTPB was the perfect environment for me,” Clarissa reflects. “It was affordable, and the smaller class sizes meant I wasn’t just a number. It truly was a place where I could develop and thrive.” This nurturing environment, combined with opportunities like LSAMP, laid the groundwork for her subsequent achievements.
Her success was further recognized when she was named a 2021 Modern Day Technology Leader at the prestigious Black Engineer of the Year Awards conference. “Being nominated and then selected for this award was a huge surprise and honor,” Clarissa admits. “It’s an award that recognizes early career professionals who are seen as future leaders in STEM. I’m incredibly grateful for the recognition.” This accolade further solidifies her standing as a rising star in the STEM field, directly benefiting from programs like the Boeing Engineering Career Foundation Program.
For current and future UT Permian Basin students, Clarissa’s message is clear and empowering: “Be proactive about your future. I wouldn’t have even known about the LSAMP program if I hadn’t seen a flyer in the Science and Technology building. My international travel with UTPB happened because I asked Dr. Montes about funding opportunities. And the Texas Science Scholar Program? That was a result of actively searching for and applying for scholarships. Your future is in your hands – take initiative and make it happen.” Her story serves as a powerful inspiration, demonstrating that with determination and a solid foundation like that offered by UT Permian Basin, students can achieve remarkable career heights, including entry into competitive programs like the Boeing Business Career Foundation Program and beyond.
