From Student Analyst to Industry Professional: Izzat Azmi’s CyBIZ Lab Journey

Izzat Azmi brought his knowledge and experience to over 30 projects during his time at CyBIZ Lab, a number well above the typical student. From working as an analyst to a senior analyst, Izzat shared how he developed adaptability and leadership skills at CyBIZ Lab, which he now uses in his professional career.

Izzat Azmi

Networking and Career Impact

Because CyBIZ Lab consultants work in student teams, students like Izzat can easily form lasting friendships and connections that provide valuable professional networking opportunities. 

“My networking has definitely grown since joining CyBIZ,” Izzat said. 

In his CyBIZ Lab days, Izzat worked alongside teammates such as Chase McPherson, who has gone on to work for Sun Country Airlines, and Micah Walker, who now works at the venture capital firm Innoventure Iowa.

“Because the environment at CyBIZ is so proactive, I can still call all these friends for help,” Izzat said. 

Izzat says networking was the reason he found himself at the CyBIZ Lab office in the first place. 

“I first got in contact at the career fair. It was something I didn’t research at all,” Izzat said. 

Izzat came across Alex Andrade, Director of CyBIZ Lab, who talked him through the program, offered an interview, and, about 2.5 years ago, offered him a job. 

Izzat worked on a variety of projects, including technology transfers, collaborating with what is now BioShield. Tech transfer projects work with newly formed businesses that have a product, process improvement, service, or technology license but are still figuring out how to sell it. During his time at CyBIZ Lab, Izzat demonstrated his understanding of technology and project management skills as a team lead. 

“Izzat brought a business background and lots of experience to CyBIZ Lab,” Alex said. 

Roles and Responsibilities at CyBIZ Lab

Izzat started his time as an undergrad student and first worked as a business analyst. When he graduated with his bachelor’s in Marketing and began working toward his master’s in Finance from the Ivy College of Business, his role transitioned to Graduate Assistant (GA) and senior analyst, where he handled more technical details.

“If there was an analysis of a database that we needed or a calculator for supply chain logistics, that is where I usually stepped in,” Izzat said. 

Izzat took his work to a deeper level. Instead of focusing solely on online secondary research, he began making phone calls and distributing surveys via Qualtrics. For one statewide project, Izzat collected contact information for mass survey delivery.

“I’m not from Iowa, so that was a bit of a challenge,” Izzat recalls. “I needed to work with the people around me to get contacts and get the survey out to as many people as possible.”

Market research for one client eventually led him to his current professional role with CyBIZ Lab client BioShield. BioShield is a bio-based steel and metal coating technology that protects and self-heals any damage to steel structures.

The information Izzat’s team gathered was presented to the National Science Foundation (NSF), and BioShield received a grant that provided the financial means for Izzat to continue project management, customer discovery, and market business research for the company. 

“Izzat was offered a full-time position to do further research. A great outcome for both Izzat and BioShield,” Alex says. 

Team Leadership and Project Management

A firstborn and involved student, Izzat has always found himself in a variety of leadership positions, even outside of CyBIZ. But in the working environment, Izzat says that changes, and it is your adaptability that leads to success.

“Each project is different, each client is different, and each team is different,” Izzat said. “One skill I have adopted and really tried to incorporate in my current work is being adaptable.”

Izzat practices humility and adaptability by striving to learn from others and collaborate with team members. Izzat says he makes an effort to be present and supportive with his team members, especially when asking them to do difficult tasks. 

“If I ever ask anyone to do anything difficult, I’ll never do that unless I’m willing to do it with them,” Izzat said. “If someone needs to contact an intimidating person, I promise to be there with them, so that I’m not putting them in a silo.” 

How CyBIZ Empowers Students

The undergrad years can be busy and full, but working at CyBIZ Lab gave Izzat the freedom to apply his major in the real world, be curious, and think outside the box.

“My undergrad was pretty stressful. I was doing a lot of clubs and trying to pick up my footing. CyBIZ gave me some room to explore my major and encouraged me to learn more. It gave me a space to be analytical and creative,” Izzat said. 

Most of all, Izzat says he learned from mentors like Alex how to navigate life professionally and with emotional intelligence.

“Working with Alex and seeing how he reacts and supports students in these types of situations, whether it’s easy or difficult, really gave me the confidence to take on harder obstacles in life,” Izzat said.

What’s Next for Izzat?

Right now, Izzat is working for BioShield, helping to refine bio-based steel and metal coating technology into a commercialized company. He works to implement business strategy, conduct market research, perform financial analysis, and manage the supply chain to cover everything a startup needs.

“It feels like I haven’t even moved on from CyBIZ. Everything I have done at CyBIZ, I am doing here right now, just on a bigger scale,” Izzat said.

Izzat is excited to see BioShield grow and where it will take him in the future!