Alumnus Michael Kadus Turns Experience into Platform to Help Others
Alumnus Michael Kadus Turns Experience into Platform to Help Others
From Purdue IE to Apple and Beyond: How Michael Kadus is Engineering Opportunity
For Michael Kadus, the path to industrial engineering at Purdue wasn’t just a decision—it was a mindset.
“I liked the type of thinking involved,” he recalled. “It was systems-oriented—bringing a lot of different parts together to create a unified whole. That really clicked with me.”
That affinity for systems thinking—paired with a strong curiosity for math modeling and a meaningful first-year experience in Purdue’s engineering program—helped set Michael on a path that would include internships at Tesla, SpaceX, and Apple, and ultimately, a full-time role at Apple post-graduation.
But Michael's story isn’t just about impressive names on a résumé. It’s about building bridges for others to follow.
A Launchpad at Purdue
Michael credits the supportive environment at Purdue’s School of Industrial Engineering—especially its academic advising team—with helping him take full advantage of industry opportunities. “I had spring and fall co-ops, plus summer internships,” he said. “The advisors were really helpful in building a course plan that made all of that possible.”
His experiences across major tech and engineering companies provided more than just technical skills—they gave him a real-world understanding of what students need to succeed in competitive internship environments.
And that’s where the next chapter of his journey began.
Michael Kadus
Destination: Internship
Alongside his brother Matt, Michael co-founded Destination Internship, a social media-driven resource designed to help students navigate the often-confusing world of internship applications, networking, and recruiting. What began as casual advice to curious peers has since grown into a popular platform offering relatable, relevant strategies for engineering students and beyond.
“We realized a lot of people were asking us the same questions about how we got internships,” Michael said. “So we started creating content—sharing what we learned, what worked for us. It wasn’t about cinematic production—it was about relatable ideas and consistency.”
With more than two years of regular content creation under their belts, the Kadus brothers have built not just a following, but a meaningful community. And while the long-term vision for Destination Internship is still evolving, the short-term mission is clear: empower students by demystifying the internship process.
Staying Connected
Michael was also a recipient of the Robert Savage Scholarship, one of Purdue IE’s most prestigious honors. But what stands out to him most isn’t just the support during school—it’s the relationship that’s continued after graduation.
“I appreciate that the Savage Scholarship is more than a scholarship—it’s a lasting relationship with the department and the Savage family,” he said. “It’s one of those opportunities that sticks with you.”
Today, Michael continues to stay engaged with Purdue IE as an alumnus, following department news, sharing insights, and helping others through his platform. Whether it’s through his role at Apple or his outreach through Destination Internship, his work is making an impact—and bringing others along for the ride.
*Michael's views are his own and do not reflect those of his employer.
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