Esther Lee Cruz '06 began her Wheaton journey with aspirations of becoming an international missionary. However, her academic interests shifted to math and sociology as she discovered she was more interested in business. 

“Sociology courses taught by Dr. Henry Allen ’77 were a highlight— they opened my eyes to how to apply my faith to current-day issues,” Esther says. 

After Wheaton, Esther received her MBA from the Wharton School of Business and was hired at LinkedIn in 2013. Since college, Esther has experienced the intense competition in the job market. She believes higher education can do a better job equipping students with skills employers need. This is the issue she champions most as a member of Wheaton’s Alumni Association Board of Directors. 

“It’s a problem with higher education in general, and isn’t unique to Wheaton,” Esther says. “How do we help students start their careers with skills that make them employable for the jobs of today and tomorrow? Wheaton is doing a lot to bridge that gap with the Center for Vocation and Career and Christ at the Core. We’re in a much better position now, but there’s still a lot of work to be done.” 

Familiar with the job market and its challenges, Esther encourages students and alumni to find friends, family, and alumni who can provide referrals. 

“The best way to get a job at a company you want to work for is to find someone at that company you know personally or through someone else and politely ask them to refer you,” Esther says. “Referrals are by far the most effective way to get a new job.”