As another academic year begins, there’s a new leadership team in the Society of Applied Engineering Sciences (SAES) at Michigan State University.
The society is the leading student organization for the College of Engineering’s interdisciplinary major – Applied Engineering Sciences (AES).
Director Laura Genik said AES is unique by combining the technical strengths of engineering with the expertise of business.
“Our 300 undergraduates choose from six concentrations - business analytics with a data science minor, business law, computer science, packaging, supply chain management or technical sales.
“The results provide students with one of the highest placement rates in the university,” she added.
Leading and learning
Who better to explain the advantages of an AES major than this year’s SAES officers.
Senior Michael Khzouz, SAES president, said the organization plays an important role within AES by setting up activities for students, Alumni Advisory Board members, and employers looking to hire well-prepared graduates.
“We foster community by creating comfortable spaces for professional development coaching and fun social events,” Khzouz said. “We’ve gotten pretty good at bridging the gap through networking and that helps AES students connect with Spartan alumni, company representatives, and each other.”
Caden VanderBerg was debating whether to study mechanical engineering or business when his cousin told him about AES.
“It offered me the practicality of business with the technical skills of engineering. Excellent!”
Today, VanderBerg is a junior and SAES vice president. His career goal of working in clean energy is bolstered by a minor in environmental and sustainability studies and an internship with the U.S. Department of Energy.
His advice - try everything you can at MSU. “Don’t regret the opportunities you left up for grabs.”
Ben West chose AES for its fluidity.
“I love engineering as a whole. In AES, I get to tackle all aspects of engineering – mechanical, electrical, and computer science – it’s all in there.
West is a senior and the SAES director of internal relations. He hopes to become a renewable energy manager in the auto industry someday.
“AES and SAES give me an opportunity to spread my wings and be social with different types of engineers. I try to do for myself what I warn others about – don’t let these opportunities fly by without you.”
Kylee Zehnder is combining her interests in engineering, business, and business law. A junior, she is SAES events director.
“AES gives so many options. I always liked math, so I knew this was perfect. I’m thinking about law school, perhaps even patent law, and that’s why I think AES will help me.”
For Ashley Sleeva, the switch from electrical engineering to AES was a great way to find a job while still a student. A senior, Sleeva serves as the SAES director of external relations.
“I met Trane Technology representatives at one of our corporate meets and it led to an internship in Charlotte, North Carolina. Now, I have a full-time job waiting for me when I graduate in May 2026.
“That’s why we tell students to meet as many people as possible,” Sleeva added. “You never know who you’ll meet or how they can help with your career.”
Written by Patricia Mroczek
MSU College of Engineering Media and Public Relations page