In 2017, Thomas Kinley became the youngest consultant at the time in CyBIZ Lab history as a sophomore at Iowa State University. Having joined the program in only its third year of existence, Thomas is excited to return eight years later as an alumnus to give back to the program that was so valuable to him as an undergraduate student.   

During his two years as a CyBIZ Lab consultant, he worked on several projects with small businesses, and he began to understand that helping those small businesses solve the unique challenges they face was interesting to him. Providing value to that specific audience was fulfilling work. Today, as a corporate lawyer in the Des Moines area, Thomas doesn’t strictly work with small businesses, but his desire to provide value to the companies he is working with is still his top priority. “I came to Iowa State without a clear idea of what I wanted to do,” Thomas recalls. “Working with CyBIZ Lab and tackling projects for small businesses solidified my passion for providing value to these companies. That drive started with CyBIZ Lab.” 

One pivotal project was with Kinosol (CYstarters Cohort 1), a small business started by several Iowa State students with a focus on decreasing food waste on a global scale. “At 19, the Kinosol team inspired me to do my best to provide value through consulting. Now, at 28, that same goal motivates me every day in my legal work. Closing a deal with a client brings the same satisfaction I felt presenting a final project to a CyBIZ Lab client.” 

Thomas’s time at Iowa State laid the foundation for an impressive academic and professional career. After graduating in 2019 with a degree in Finance and Supply Chain Management, he earned his J.D. from Boston College Law School in 2024.  

Now practicing at Dentons Davis Brown, Thomas specializes in corporate law, focusing on industries like biotechnology, real estate, and finance. He’s also made it a priority to reconnect with CyBIZ Lab, seeking opportunities to mentor students, engage with alumni, and potentially create new project opportunities for the program. 

“I’m glad I made the choice to return to Iowa because it’s allowing me to invest in things I care about and to use the connections that I already have versus wasting them. CyBIZ Lab is one of those connections,” he shares. 

Thomas encourages current students to push their limits. “Find a job that will test your limits. The experience will help you grow, prepare you to work hard, and will be incredibly valuable in the long run.” 

As he looks to the future, Thomas is excited about the impact alumni involvement can have on CyBIZ Lab and its students. He hopes to connect with students interested in law and help them navigate their career paths, just as CyBIZ Lab helped shape his own.