Opportunities

buildwithayo.

Engineering • Research • Leadership • community

You don't need another idea. You need to finish one.

Build in Public is for students who want honest feedback and real momentum — on your research, your resume, your project, your next move.

Start building

How it works

Run by Ayo — a biomedical engineering and computer science student who is still building too.

Currently working closely with students at UIC — open to builders anywhere.

Meet Ayo.

Biomedical Engineering Student • Researcher • Builder

Hi, I’m Ayo, a biomedical engineering and CS student, researcher, and builder who believes opportunities are created through consistent action—not waiting until everything is perfect.

I’m passionate about engineering, research, and building meaningful things that help people grow.

As a transfer student, I’ve learned that opportunities rarely come with a roadmap—you have to seek them out, ask questions, and keep building, even when you’re unsure.

Through engineering, research, leadership, entrepreneurship, and community building, I’ve realized something:

Most students don’t lack potential. They lack clarity, structure, and a community that encourages them to keep going.

That’s why I created The Balanced Engineer and Build in Public—to help students turn curiosity into consistent action through coaching, accountability, and intentional growth.

I’m still building too. That’s why I believe we build better together.

Built through experiences at UIC, Grace Hopper Celebration, THINKChicago by World Business Chicago, DPI, Chicago startup communities, research, and student leadership.

Research

Turning curiosity into disciplined questions.

Leadership

Creating structure where people feel supported.

Execution

Getting from idea to finished product.

Community

Building better because we build together.

CAREER

Every meaningful project starts somewhere.

Choose the experience that best fits where you are today.

The Career Kit

Ready before you apply.

$120

One-time payment

✓ Resume rewritten with you — written feedback, not a checklist
✓ LinkedIn profile overhaul
✓ One mock interview, recorded (if you want it)
✓ Written notes on what to fix after

✓ Delivered within 7 days

✓ 45-min call

Best if you have applications coming and want to walk in ready.

I’ve been on both sides of the table.

I’ve used my own resume to get into research labs, conferences, and selective programs. And as founder of The Balanced Engineer, I’ve reviewed 50+ applications, interviewed candidates, and hired coaches and mentors.

I know what makes an application stand out in a stack — because I’ve been the one reading the stack.

Get Ready

The Career Kit

Ready before you apply.

$120

One-time payment

✓ Resume rewritten with you — written feedback, not a checklist
✓ LinkedIn profile overhaul
✓ One mock interview, recorded (if you want it)
✓ Written notes on what to fix after

✓ Delivered within 7 days

✓ 45-min call

Best if you have applications coming and want to walk in ready.

I’ve been on both sides of the table.

I know what makes an application stand out in a stack — because I’ve been the one reading the stack.

Get Ready

The Career Kit

Ready before you apply.

$120

One-time payment

✓ Resume rewritten with you — written feedback, not a checklist
✓ LinkedIn profile overhaul
✓ One mock interview, recorded (if you want it)
✓ Written notes on what to fix after

✓ Delivered within 7 days

✓ 45-min call

Best if you have applications coming and want to walk in ready.

I’ve been on both sides of the table.

I know what makes an application stand out in a stack — because I’ve been the one reading the stack.

Get Ready

Get Into a Lab

Start where the work is.

$75

One-time payment

For transfer students and UIC students in engineering, bioengineering, BME, CS, pre-med, and health tech who want research experience and don’t know where to start.

✓ Written feedback on your resume
✓ Your cold email, rewritten with you
✓ 45-min call — how to find labs, who to contact, what to do when they don’t reply
✓ A shortlist of labs worth your time

I cold-emailed my way into five research positions as a transfer student, across biomedical optics, imaging, robotics, and endocrinology. This is exactly how.

Get Started

Get Into a Lab

Start where the work is.

$75

One-time payment

For transfer students and UIC students in engineering, bioengineering, BME, CS, pre-med, and health tech who want research experience and don’t know where to start.

I cold-emailed my way into five research positions as a transfer student, across biomedical optics, imaging, robotics, and endocrinology. This is exactly how.

Get Started

Get Into a Lab

Start where the work is.

$75

One-time payment

For transfer students and UIC students in engineering, bioengineering, BME, CS, pre-med, and health tech who want research experience and don’t know where to start.

I cold-emailed my way into five research positions as a transfer student, across biomedical optics, imaging, robotics, and endocrinology. This is exactly how.

Get Started

Not sure where to start?

Tell me what you’re working on and I’ll point you to the right one.

[Message Ayo]

BUILD

Every meaningful project starts somewhere.

Choose the experience that best fits where you are today.

The Intensive

One session. Total clarity.

$200

One-time payment

90 minutes on whatever you’re building — a project, a research direction, a business idea, or just the pile of things you haven’t organized yet. We break it down, decide what actually matters, and build the plan together. You leave with a map, not homework.

✓ 90 minutes working session
✓ A written plan you keep
✓ 30 days of DM access for when you get stuck

Best if you have an idea and no structure — or too many ideas and no direction.

Everyone has ideas. What sets you apart is execution, which I'm good at. If you’ve been sitting on that idea for a while — now is the time. Let’s put it together.

Test me.

Book Your Session

The Intensive

One session. Total clarity.

$200

One-time payment

✓ 90 minutes working session
✓ A written plan you keep
✓ 30 days of DM access for when you get stuck

Best if you have an idea and no structure — or too many ideas and no direction.

Everyone has ideas. What sets you apart is execution, which I'm good at. If you’ve been sitting on that idea for a while — now is the time. Let’s put it together.

Test me.

Book Your Session

The Intensive

One session. Total clarity.

$200

One-time payment

✓ 90 minutes working session
✓ A written plan you keep
✓ 30 days of DM access for when you get stuck

Best if you have an idea and no structure — or too many ideas and no direction.

Everyone has ideas. What sets you apart is execution, which I'm good at. If you’ve been sitting on that idea for a while — now is the time. Let’s put it together.

Test me.

Book Your Session

The Circle

Build with consistency (waitlist).

$25/month

Monthly payment, cancel anytime

Opening at 15 members -> join the waitlist.

A small group of students who actually finish things.

Bi-weekly call: you say what you’re shipping, and next call you show it. That’s the whole rule.

✓ Bi-weekly build calls
✓ One piece of your work reviewed by me each month — written, specific, direct
✓ Bonus: first to hear when I come across an opportunity worth applying to

✓ Cancel anytime

I don’t just talk about shipping. I’ve built an organization with a live student cohort, a podcast, and this website — while doing research and finishing a degree. This is the room I wish I’d had. Let's build.

Join The Waitlist

Not sure where to start?

Tell me what you’re working on and I’ll point you to the right one.

[Message Ayo]

How It Works

Three simple steps from uncertainty to visible progress.

No 40-page workbook. Just the work.

1. Choose your program.

Pick CAREER or BUILD depending on what you're working on.

2. Tell me what you're working on.

A short intake — five minutes, tell me about your project or idea.

3. Book your session.

And we get to work!

Is Build in Public Right for You?

This is for you if:

• You have ideas but struggle to take action.
• You want accountability.
• You’re navigating tech, business, engineering, research, entrepreneurship, or career decisions.
• You’re ready to build consistently.

This isn’t for you if:

• You’re looking for someone else to do the work.
• You’re unwilling to commit to consistent effort.
• You’re looking for overnight results.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is this for?

Build in public is for students who are ready to stop overthinking and start making consistent progress. Whether you're preparing for internships, building a personal project, pursuing research, exploring entrepreneurship, or simply looking for accountability, this program provides structure, guidance, and momentum.

Do I need to already have an idea?

No. You can come with a clear project, a messy idea, or just a direction you want to explore. The first goal is clarity.

Can I choose between 1:1 and group coaching?

Yes. You can choose the setting that helps you stay most focused—private support or a small group environment with shared momentum. Prices are per participant. Group coaching is available for small cohorts and follows a shared schedule.

What happens after payment?

You’ll receive next steps for scheduling, sharing your goals, and preparing for your first session.

Aren't you still a student?

Yes — that’s the point. I’ve cold-emailed my way into five research positions, served in student government, transferred schools, and figured out the internship and research game recently enough to remember exactly how. I’m not three decades ahead of you. I’m three years, and that’s usually more useful.

Ready to Start Building?

Tell me what you’re working on and I’ll point you to the right one.

[Message Ayo]

Response within 48 hours.

Choose Your Build

buildwithayo.

Currently building with intention:

Biomedical Engineering + CS @ UIC

The Balanced Engineer | Build in Public