Estrella Almendras — From Transfer Student to Industry Leader
Through leadership, data-driven learning, and real-world experience, UIC Business student Estrella Almendras has built a path from the classroom to a full-time role at IBM.
From Transfer Student to Industry Leader: Estrella Almendras’ UIC Business Journey
When Estrella Almendras transferred to UIC Business, she brought with her a strong sense of purpose shaped by her Filipino heritage and a commitment to serving others. What followed was a transformative journey defined by leadership, academic rigor, and real-world impact.
A Strategic Transfer and Academic Focus
Inspired by her brother’s positive experience at UIC, Estrella also decided to transfer here and quickly immersed herself in life at UIC. Initially pursuing public policy, she pivoted to marketing — while maintaining a demanding course load of 20 credits per semester to graduate on time.
A pivotal moment came in a market research course with Professor Alexander Moore, where she was introduced to R for data analysis and began exploring how AI tools can enhance learning and decision-making. That experience helped solidify her interest in the intersection of marketing, analytics, and technology.
Applying Data to Real-World Challenges
Estrella complemented her academic work with hands-on experience, beginning with her role at the City of Chicago Department of Housing. There, she analyzed housing policy and contributed to initiatives focused on tenant protections and green social housing. Her work included identifying legislative gaps and using data to support more effective policy outcomes.
She later expanded her experience through an internship and subsequent role at IBM, working in both Washington, D.C., and a hybrid setting. These roles provided exposure to large-scale data analysis and business strategy, ultimately leading to a full-time position with IBM after graduation.
Building Community Through Leadership
In addition to her academic and professional achievements, Estrella has made a lasting impact on the UIC community through leadership. As a co-founder of Delta Sigma Pi (DSP), a professional business fraternity established in 2020, she helped grow the organization into a thriving community of more than 80 members.
Under her leadership as vice president, DSP has focused on career readiness, professional development, and industry engagement. Estrella has also championed inclusivity and collaboration, ensuring the organization creates opportunities for students across disciplines.
One defining leadership moment came when she successfully relocated a major event on short notice, coordinating logistics for dozens of attendees — a testament to her adaptability and problem-solving skills.
A Commitment to Impact
Throughout her journey, Estrella has remained focused on creating opportunities for others. With support from mentors and the UIC Business Career Center, she refined her professional goals and secured competitive internships that shaped her career trajectory.
After graduation, she will relocate to Austin, Texas, to begin her full-time role with IBM, marking the next chapter in a journey rooted in determination, leadership, and a desire to make a difference.
UIC Business is proud to celebrate Estrella Almendras as an example of how students can leverage academic resources, leadership opportunities, and real-world experience to achieve success.