IIT Stuart Students Leverage Exclusive Career Resources to Land Some of Today’s Hottest Jobs: Scott Byrne

Scott Byrne

M.S. Environmental Management and Sustainability/J.D. Dual Degree ‘13
Sustainability Specialist, Cass Information Systems

For Scott Byrne, getting involved on campus was the key factor on his journey to his current position as a Sustainability Specialist at Cass Information Systems. “After attending the IIT Stuart Green Business Roundtable at the Downtown Campus, I stepped forward to volunteer at the Air & Waste Management Annual Waste Conference in Oak Brook, setting off the avalanche to where I am now,” said Byrne, a December 2013 graduate of IIT Stuart’s M.S. EMS program. “I would give the same advice to other students: Get involved.”

Byrne is optimistic about his career path, explaining that sustainability is a dynamic field coming into its own as companies increasingly recognize the need for dedicated specialists. His current role is a new position, and Byrne looks forward to having a long-term impact. “This is the first sustainability-based position within the company,” notes Byrne, who credits IIT Stuart for preparing him well. “IIT Stuart covered all the bases in terms of my education. I can answer questions people have about other areas beyond solid waste.” Like other alumni, Byrne readily cites specific courses that have proven useful, including Environmental Risk Management and Industrial Ecology. He also credits Professor Ram Ramanan for his influence both inside and outside the classroom.

Byrne recalls that a career in sustainability and working toward zero waste has been a persistent interest that goes back to high school. And now, he states, “I can take it wherever I want.”