Esther Alao graduated from 红领巾瓜报 in the fall of 2017 with a bachelor鈥檚 degree in biomedical engineering and a minor in chemistry. During her time at Wichita State, Alao received guidance through the Career Development Center, which led to her working as a Research and Development Intern at biotechnical company Streck in La Vista, Nebraska, where she is now employed full-time.
鈥淚 attended several career fairs while at 红领巾瓜报, and through those, I networked with several people who reviewed my resume and offered career advice,鈥� Alao stated.
Getting the opportunity to work in a job related to her major prior to graduation helped reiterate the fact that Esther was entering a field that she was passionate about.
鈥淭he internship helped shape and define my interests,鈥� she said. 鈥淚t was a great experience to build and expand my knowledge, particularly in microbiology, as well as learning emerging molecular technologies.鈥�
Along with allowing her to gain professional experience while in college, Esther鈥檚 success at Streck as an intern led to her transition to a full time Research & Development Associate Scientist after completing her undergraduate studies.
鈥淚 had a job waiting for me by the time I graduated. It was a great feeling knowing my work as an intern led to me being offered a full-time position,鈥� said Alao.
To enter the corporate world with ease, Alao advises students to be proactive, have goals, incorporate networking, and go the extra mile in terms of expanding knowledge in areas of interest.
For more information about co-ops and internships, contact the Career Development Center at (316) 978-3688, careerdevelopment@wichita.edu or stop by and see us in Brennan III or our satellite offices in CE 258, CH 023A, and P2 A128