Alumni Voices: How a Montclair Information Technology Graduate Built a Career at UPS

Quick Summary:

• Information Technology graduate turned a Montclair career fair connection into a nearly decade-long career at UPS
• At UPS, he leads enterprise technology, AI governance and software architecture initiatives while helping drive innovation across the global logistics company.
• He credits Montclair’s faculty, career fairs and hands-on learning for helping launch his career and encourages students to build in-demand skills before graduation.

Meet the alum

Name: Kaan Esendemir ’18Majored in / Degree in: BS in Information TechnologyCurrent role: Application Architect at UPS

Career highlights

When Kaan Esendemir ’18 attended a UPS hiring event while at Montclair State University, he was looking for an internship opportunity. Nearly a decade later, that opportunity has grown into a career with UPS, a Fortune 50 global shipping and logistics company where he now serves as an Application Architect helping shape enterprise technology solutions and AI adoption. Along the way, he has also become an adjunct instructor, sharing his industry experience with the next generation of technology professionals.

Building a foundation at Montclair

For Esendemir, choosing Montclair came down to finding a university that offered both affordability and opportunity. Staying close to home allowed him to commute while pursuing a degree in Information Technology, but it was the University’s supportive community that left the greatest impression

He credits Montclair’s faculty with creating an environment where students felt comfortable asking questions, exploring new ideas and pursuing opportunities beyond the classroom

“Everyone felt approachable and ready to answer questions,” Esendemir says

That supportive environment encouraged Esendemir to take advantage of opportunities like Montclair’s career fairs. During one of those events, he attended with a clear goal in mind

“For this career fair, UPS was my target,” he says. “My expectations were that I could get in front of and talk to a hiring manager directly.”

That conversation led to a co-op opportunity before graduation and marked the beginning of a career that has now spanned nearly a decade

From co-op to Application Architect

What began as a co-op opportunity soon grew into a long-term career at UPS. Over the past several years, Esendemir has taken on a variety of software engineering roles, gaining experience across multiple areas of the business before advancing to his current position as an Application Architect

His role today was undoubtedly supported by what he learned in his classes. Through coursework in programming, 3D design and cybersecurity, Esendemir developed a broad technical foundation while discovering the areas of technology that interested him most

He also points to professors, including Katherine Herbert from the School of Computing, as influential mentors during his time at Montclair

Today, his work spans solution architecture, AI governance, code reviews and collaborating with teams across the organization to develop technology solutions that support one of the world’s largest logistics companies. While technology has evolved throughout his career, one area that has become increasingly important is artificial intelligence

Rather than viewing AI as a replacement for people, Esendemir sees it as a tool that helps simplify repetitive work so employees can spend more time solving complex problems and driving innovation

Sharing industry experience

In addition to his work at UPS, Esendemir also shares his industry experience as an adjunct instructor at several universities. Drawing on nearly a decade of experience in software engineering and enterprise technology, he helps students connect classroom concepts with real-world applications while preparing them for careers in the field

Teaching has become a rewarding way for Esendemir to give back to the next generation of technology professionals, allowing him to mentor students as they begin building careers of their own

Advice for students interested in IT careers

Looking back on his own journey, Esendemir encourages current Information Technology students to start preparing for their careers long before graduation. Building technical knowledge is important, but he believes understanding what employers are looking for can give students a valuable advantage

“Don’t wait until graduation to learn certain skillsets,” Esendemir says. “Research the job market, look at job boards, and see what skills are in demand and learn a few.”

From attending a Montclair career fair to building a career at UPS, Esendemir’s journey demonstrates how taking advantage of opportunities and continually developing new skills can lead to long-term success

Our “Alumni Voices” series spotlights Montclair alumni making their mark across industries, sharing how their time at the University helped build the skills, confidence and connections that shaped their professional journeys

Interested in learning more?

Prospective Student / Parent: Learn more about our Information Technology program, plan a visit to campus and take the first step in applying to become a Red Hawk!

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Source: www.montclair.edu