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Ben Wirtz Siegel
University Community
From campus to career: Russ College students, alumni share success stories
Securing a job or internship can feel overwhelming, but Russ College of Engineering and Technology students at ĢƵ University are proving that preparation, networking and persistence make all the difference.
From securing roles in aerospace and manufacturing to breaking into the aviation and construction industries, these students and recent alumni share their experiences on successfully navigating the hiring process, offering valuable insights for current students exploring career options or preparing to enter the workforce.
Drew Mullett's journey to Cognatus LLC
Drew Mullett, a senior studying electrical engineering (computer science track) has secured a full-time role as a general engineer at Cognatus LLC, located at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, ĢƵ.
Mullett knew he wanted to work in national defense, and he learned about this position at the Career Fair hosted by Career Services last fall. He then targeted his applications due to his previous internship and research work. Mullett has previously interned at the Naval Surface Warfare Center in Crane, Indiana and Integrated Solutions for Systems (IS4S) a software engineering defense contractor in Dayton.
His more recent satellite hardware security research at ĢƵ University aligned closely with the work at the National Space Intelligence Center.
Mullett has been involved in several student organizations since his freshman year and has maximized experiential learning opportunities to remain competitive. Based on employer feedback, he’s confident that these activities coupled with his research at the University and proactive efforts in related fields were key factors that elevated him over other candidates.
Career Tips: Start your internship or job search early, even as freshmen. Definitely utilize Career Services, attend career fairs, and get involved in personal projects to get lots of experience. Develop an elevator pitch and maintain an organized list of applications to avoid confusion and make a better impression.
Katie DeMoss reflects on internship at Alaska Airlines
Katie DeMoss, a senior in aviation management and an aspiring aviation professional landed a competitive internship with Alaska Airlines in Seattle. She knew she wanted to work for an airline and recognized the competitiveness of securing an internship in the industry. DeMoss started by gaining experience working as a ramp agent at Cleveland Hopkins Airport and the ĢƵ University Airport, which strengthened her application.
Her motivation stemmed from her passion for aviation and her desire to work for a major airline.
DeMoss researched various airlines and focused on aligning her resume with the values of the respective company values, which ultimately helped her land the internship. While working for Alaska Airlines, DeMoss had the opportunity to shadow various departments, gaining insights into different roles and career pathways within the company.
Career Tips: Tailor your resume for each application and leverage their network. Get involved in personal projects and seek opportunities to gain relevant experience. Build relationships with professors, as they can provide valuable industry connections and recommendations
Roberto Morgan secures summer internship at Whiting-Turner
Roberto Morgan, a sophomore studying civil engineering, has secured a summer internship with Whiting-Turner. Morgan was introduced to the company through connections with the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) and networking at the engineering career fair in the fall.
He spent eight months refining his resume and focused on engaging conversations with recruiters. Career coaching and his involvement in organizations like the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) and the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) provided valuable guidance and a supportive network.
Morgan emphasized the importance of asking the right questions and interacting with recruiters. These organizations provided him with resources, professional development sessions, and networking opportunities that were instrumental while exploring and applying for internships.
Career Tips: Start building your resume early and seek advice from peers with internship experience. Use your available resources to prepare for interviews, research company culture, and be personable when engaging with recruiters.
Meredith Sentman joins General Mills
Meredith Sentman, a senior studying industrial and systems engineering, will join General Mills in Wellston, ĢƵ as a manufacturing and engineering associate after graduation this spring.
Sentman learned about the role at General Mills during the Russ College career fair. Initially, she hadn't planned to connect with General Mills but was encouraged to do so and received positive feedback from a former employee. Her interest in food manufacturing was sparked by a previous internship working at General Films, a small manufacturing facility near her hometown.
Sentman has been actively involved in student organizations including the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) which expanded her industry connections. She credits her success during the job search to attending networking events that gave her a chance to meet employers and ask questions before starting the application process. These conversations with industry professionals helped to boost her confidence and reduced intimidation during interviews.
Career Tips: Take every interview opportunity seriously, even if you’re not particularly interested in the company, view it as valuable practice. Understand employer expectations, be aware of things like the company culture and values. Mock interviews and discussions with recent alumni are very helpful. Leverage student organizations and alumni networks for connections and advice.
Ethan Pollock’s work with Bi-Con Engineering
Ethan Pollock, a recent mechanical engineering graduate ‘24, has landed a full-time role as a mechanical engineer I at Bi-Con Engineering, an oil and gas company in Cambridge, ĢƵ.
Like many of his peers, he discovered Bi-Con by attending a career fair. He was drawn to the technical aspects of the role and its location near family in ĢƵ. He was very intentional about presenting himself as the best fit for the position. Additionally, asking questions that shifted the interviewer's perspective from seeing him as an interviewee to a potential colleague helped him stand out.
In reflecting on his time at ĢƵ University, Pollock credits his success during the job search to career coaching, mentorship from professors, and the Robe Leadership Institute. The Institute provides students with leadership skills, team management techniques, and opportunities to interact with industry professionals.
Career Tips: Keep an open mind during the job search process and cast a wide net. Utilize the STAR Method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to organize your thoughts and effectively communicate your capabilities effectively during interviews.
Networking and persistence: Kavanaugh Frank’s path to JP Morgan Chase
Kavanaugh Frank, a junior studying computer science, will complete a software engineering internship at JP Morgan Chase this summer.
Frank found out about this highly competitive opportunity at a career fair during his freshman year as part of his Learning Community. There, he met a recruiter from JP Morgan Chase, and maintained contact over the years, which he believes played a crucial role in helping him secure this specific internship.
Additionally, he learned that JP Morgan had online certificates, so during the summer break he made sure to complete all three of them. By completing these certificates along with his involvement in research and extracurricular activities such as the Engineering Ambassadors, he felt very confident of his chances when he applied. Frank was motivated by JP Morgan Chase's reputation, the potential for professional development, and the company's international presence. He had other offers but chose JP Morgan Chase due to its dedicated entry-level software engineering program and the personal connection he had developed with the recruiter over the years.
Career Tips: Start your search early, apply to a wide range of opportunities, and be prepared for rejection. Attend career fairs, connect with recruiters on LinkedIn, and have multiple people review your resumes and LinkedIn profiles. Maximize career coaching, research opportunities, and student organizations. Study abroad if you can for a broader perspective.
Empowering future engineers through student success stories
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During in February, more than 30 students gathered to learn from the perspectives and experiences of their peers during the “How to Get Hired” panel.
The event, hosted by Career Services in partnership with the Russ College of Engineering and Technology, featured a student panel highlighting how career fairs, one-on-one career coaching and experiential learning play a pivotal role in securing full-time jobs and internships.
Career Services offers resources, coaching, workshops and employer networking opportunities to help all ĢƵ University students launch successful careers. For more information visit /student-success/career or email career@ohio.edu. Career Services is located in Baker University Center Room 507.
Published
April 16, 2025