What’s next for the Class of 2025: Max Skinner

By: Abby Miles ’25

“What’s next for the Class of 2025” is a series that features Lafayette grads—where they’re headed, and the mentors, resources, and experiences that inspired their future path. Stay tuned for more stories throughout April and May.

Major: Mechanical engineering

Destination/future plans: Project engineer at DPR Construction in Phoenix, Ariz.

Involvement on campus:

Throughout his time at Lafayette, Max Skinner ’25 was a member of the International Students Association (ISA). “Most of my friends are in ISA, and it’s been an amazing community to be a part of,” he says. “I’ve been able to embrace who I am and share my experiences, and I learned a lot from them too.”

When reflecting on his time in ISA, he notes the amazing experience of the ISA World Cup (2024), a tournament-style soccer event. “That day I became a champion with my team sharing the moment with friends I’ve made along the way.” 

Skinner also served as a peer adviser with Gateway Career Center. He helped students with resume and cover letter reviews, showed them how to connect with Gateway’s many resources, and assisted at Career Fairs. Skinner says his time at Gateway was extremely rewarding, as he was not only able to help a lot of Lafayette students, but also connect with and learn from the Gateway staff.

“Working at Gateway has been one of the best parts of my Lafayette experience. I wanted other students to realize that these resources are accessible, helpful, and designed for them,” Skinner says.

Mentors and experiences that mattered most:

The Career Fair his junior year marked a pivotal moment in his journey at Lafayette. He worked with Rebecca Shafer, assistant director and his Gateway career counselor, who helped him make a plan for the event and organize the companies he wanted to talk to. “I felt more confident and understood how to approach companies effectively,” he says.

Skinner is also grateful for the help of Holly Akers, senior associate director of employer relations and outreach. Akers knew him well through his work at Gateway and understood the kinds of companies that would be the best fit for him. At the Career Fair, she pointed him toward a company he hadn’t yet approached, which ended up being the company he’ll work for after graduation.

“The entire Gateway team made an impact on my life,” Skinner says. “They got to know me personally, and it never felt like I was just getting career help—working with the staff and making memories over there really made it feel like a family.”

Skinner looks back on his time at Lafayette as a chance for opportunity—something he did not fully understand the power of until he arrived. His professors and Gateway advisers helped him along the way, giving him the confidence and empowerment to accomplish anything. They helped him realize his potential and skill sets, pushed him to take risks, and taught him the lesson to bet on himself.

“Lafayette taught me to appreciate the small moments in life and take a leap of faith,” Skinner says. “Building that mindset and a belief in taking chances and being confident in myself are things I’ll carry with me long after I leave campus.”