Nina Lutz
Pronouns:
she/her
Class Year:
SB '19, MS '21
What are you doing now? After a few years as a technical product manager at Redfin I am now pursuing my PhD at the University of Washington. I study the worst parts of the internet with hopes of making it better.
What advice would you give to yourself if you were an undergraduate at MIT today? Sleep more and eat more vegetables. It will work out. But also, take a more writing intensive class.
How did characteristics of your FLI identity help you navigate MIT? FLI was in a different form during my undergrad, but having a language that helped me identify other first gen students was so helpful. I was so lucky to be in community with older students who helped me navigate college (especially a weird spot like MIT!).
How has having a network benefited your career trajectory? A network is so important. I met my current PhD advisor through my first year MIT advisor from undergrad. I have also received other opportunities for collaboration and consulting via folks I met at MIT and after. I am also currently doing research with someone who worked in the lab I UROPed in. Overall, I think the most important thing here is to not treat people as transactions and think about what they can do for you, but build a network of people with your same interests and stay engaged with their work and this will naturally lead to more opportunities.
What do you do for fun outside of work/school? I enjoy going out to eat and drink with friends, and travel.