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Liem Gearen
More Than I Imagined Seniors reflect on accomplishments and look ahead

Liem Gearen

Graduation year: 2019

Hometown: North Aurora, Ill.

Major: Computer science

Minors: Mathematics, entrepreneurial studies

Activities: Augustana Web Guild, Epsilon Tau Pi honorary Eagle Scout fraternity, Phi Mu Epsilon honorary organization (mathematics/computer science)

Internships: (1) Hesed House, a homeless shelter in my hometown; (2) Augustana’s Entrepreneurial (EDGE) Center as a web development intern; and (3) John Deere as an IT student worker. I’ve been lucky enough to continue working at John Deere.

Post-grad plans: I will be working with John Deere in its IT Rotational Program. In this program, I will work in software engineering at John Deere’s Parts Distribution Center in Milan, Ill.

Why Augustana?

I was drawn to the liberal arts education and the specific courses and programs that the campus offered. Additionally, after my campus visit, I fell in love with the beautiful campus and the close community of students.

Are you where you thought you’d be when you first came to campus?

Absolutely not! Over the past few years, I can honestly say that I’ve grown a lot! When I first came to campus, I was completely unsure as to who I was as an individual, let alone what I wanted to study. My experiences at Augustana College helped me become to who I am today.

Who helped you get to where you are now?

I’d say my professors and advisors all helped me get to where I am now. Through the years, they all challenged me to grow personally and professionally. Without them, I don’t think I’d be where I am today. 

Peak experience?

One main peak experience would have to be the career fair I attended my sophomore year. While I was there, I spoke with some recruiters for John Deere IT. After they reviewed my résumé, they immediately asked me to come in for an interview. Because of that experience, I have been able to work with John Deere over the past few years, and will continue to work with them after graduation. What’s funny is that I never had any intention to get a job at that career fair! I was only there to help check students in!

What surprised you?

Honestly, I’ve learned so much about myself that it is hard to pick just one thing!

How did you use Augie Choice?

I used my Augie Choice for an internship opportunity with John Deere during the summer between my junior and senior year. Augie Choice helped me acquire professional attire and afford summer housing for my internship.

What will you miss the most?

I’ll really miss the campus community. Augustana has felt like a second home with the other students and faculty.

Advice for the Class of 2023?

Take advantage of all of the unique programs and opportunities that Augustana has to offer.

“Liem joined the EDGE Center and was highly involved in the Web Guild early on. The Web Guild is a student organization that has been running its own web development business for more than 20 years. Liem picked up web development quickly and became a key part of that organization. He also expanded his skills in the EDGE Center by learning project management and client communication, setting him up perfectly for an internship and job offer from John Deere."

– Doug Tschopp, director, Augustana’s Entrepreneurial (EDGE) Center, and instructor, communication studies