In pursuit of his goal to attend Iowa State University, Zach Mayle (‘23 management information systems) enlisted in the Iowa Air National Guard in 2017. This granted him access to a National Guard scholarship, which helped fund a significant portion of his college expenses. After graduating in May, he started his professional career with Principal Financial Group, located in Des Moines, Iowa.
Q: What has your time with Principal Financial Group been like?
I initially connected with a Principal employee at the 2021 fall career fair. He helped me secure an internship in the information security department on the cyber risk management team, which was a perfect fit. I completed a full-time internship in the summer leading up to my senior year and worked part-time throughout the school year before joining Principal full-time. My current role focuses on IT and cybersecurity risk management, but starting in October, I will transition to a data engineer position within the security department. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at Principal; they are highly supportive of personal development and assisting employees in achieving their goals while engaging in meaningful, exciting work. Particularly as an intern, I had the opportunity to explore different areas of the business, which helped me identify a role that suited me well.
Q: Why did you choose to attend Iowa State?
I grew up in the suburbs of Chicago, Illinois, so my family was close enough to visit. Additionally, my dad is an Iowa State alumnus who introduced me to the outstanding campus, where I instantly felt at home. I also knew that I wanted to join the military, and when I discovered that there was an Air National Guard base in Des Moines, Iowa, I knew it was the perfect fit. With Iowa State’s rich history in computing and my interest in computer science and cybersecurity, the decision was sealed.
Q: During your time as a student, what was your key to academic success?
Staying organized and improving my time management was by far the biggest help to my success. It was difficult for me at first to avoid procrastinating without the accountability I was used to in high school or the military. Every week I started writing down my assignments and exams in a homework app, which really helped keep me on track and not miss any deadlines. Another key thing for me was learning how I work best and keeping myself focused. Everybody is different, and a bit of self-reflection can go a long way in maximizing your productivity. Whether it’s a ritual you do before a long study session, listening to a specific playlist to “get in the zone,” or finding your favorite spot on campus to tackle a big project, identifying your personal preferences and tendencies is a valuable skill that you can apply beyond college going into your career.
Q: What was your biggest takeaway from your time at Iowa State?
My most significant takeaway isn’t just the diploma I received, but the people I met and the experiences I gained along the way, which helped prepare me for success. College is an excellent opportunity to explore yourself and shape how you want the world to perceive you. It’s the perfect time to engage in new hobbies, network with diverse individuals, participate in extracurricular activities, identify strengths and work on weaknesses, and absorb knowledge and experience.
Q: In what ways did the Ivy College of Business help you find success, both academically and professionally?
I was not the best at building relationships with professors early in my college career. I quickly realized that professors, teaching assistants, and other staff are the best resources available, and not to hesitate to ask questions. I vividly remember a computer lab experience during my freshman year when I had been stuck for hours on a program issue. After attending office hours, we identified the problem within 15 minutes, and I learned the root cause of the issue, rather than blindly attempting fixes. Attending the business career fair was another invaluable resource provided by the college. The career fair led to my internship and eventual full-time career, even though I hadn’t initially planned on attending that one. I had never heard of Principal Financial Group, as I’m not originally from Iowa, until I walked up to their booth and introduced myself. This encounter completely changed my life and career path. Even if you’re a freshman, haven’t researched companies extensively, or aren’t sure about the type of internship you’re seeking, dressing professionally and networking with companies for a couple of hours can provide valuable experience and lead to unexpected opportunities.
Q: What advice would you give to students trying to make the most out of their time at Iowa State?
Seize the unique opportunities available during your college career. This period is unparalleled for branching out and exploring new areas, which can lead to great experiences and unforeseen opportunities. The skills you acquire and the experiences you gain will be immensely beneficial when pursuing future roles. Small things like taking an interesting elective or assuming a leadership role in a club may not seem immediately applicable, but being open to trying new things will serve you well throughout your life and career.
Q: What are your plans for the future?
After graduating from Iowa State, I extended my military contract for a few years and will continue working in the cyber operations unit in a guard capacity. I plan to remain employed at Principal full-time for the foreseeable future, continually developing my technical skills as an engineer and my soft skills as a leader. One of the items on my development plan is to assist incoming interns, so perhaps I will have the opportunity to work with some of you in the future!
November 14, 2023
