Oh, The Places You’ll Go!

Ohio State SWE
16 min readMay 5, 2023

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As the semester rolls to a close and we face the summer following an amazing year of meetings, classes, and events, we want to recognize those who have worked hard and are accepting research positions, co-ops, and internships for the upcoming year!

We hope that you can find inspiration, guidance, and advice from their experiences in conquering the realms of professional engineering — there truly is a world of possibilities that result in being a Buckeye Engineer! Thus, please join us in celebrating the successes of…

Kelli Ross

Industrial and Systems Engineering, 4th year

Kelli is a 4th-year Industrial and Systems Engineering major who will return to Walt Disney World as an Industrial Engineering Intern for the Magic Kingdom Parks Team in Lake Buena Vista, Florida this summer. She learned about this opportunity through the company website as well as connections found in industry!

A Piece of Advice from Kelli:

Put yourself out there! Apply for your dream job and show them how passionate you are! Keep trying, and treat everything as a learning opportunity.

Why did you want to become an engineer?

I’ve always loved creative problem-solving, and ISE was like love at first sight!

Maddie Chandler

Food Engineering, 4th year

Maddie is a 4th-year Food Engineering major who will be starting an internship at Nestlé as a Technical Applications Group Intern in Solon, OH this summer. She learned about this opportunity through networking and the company website!

A Piece of Advice from Maddie:

Building your network is so important! Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there and meet new people because it can help you in a plethora of ways.

Why did you want to become an engineer?

My dad is an engineer and I always thought what he did at work was so cool! I love working in teams and brainstorming tough projects, so engineering seemed like a natural fit.

Aastha Gupta

Computer Science and Engineering, 5th year

Aastha is a 5th-year Computer Science and Engineering major who will be starting a full-time position at Northrop Grumman as a Systems Engineer in Melbourne, FL this summer. She learned about this opportunity through WE19 for her original internship, which turned into recurring return offers!

A Piece of Advice from Aastha:

Utilize Engineering Career Services! They have many advisors and Peer Coaches (like myself) who are trained to help you with all things professional development such as resume reviews, elevator pitch prep, job search strategy, mock interviews, offers, salary negotiation, and more! They also have a whole bank of resources that you can use whenever you want. I cannot recommend ECS enough!

Why did you want to become an engineer?

I learned early on that I enjoy building things and using math & science to solve problems. My dad is a Software Engineer and encouraged me to pursue STEM, which gave me the nudge I needed to take the leap into the world of engineering!

Mallory Justus

Electrical Engineering, 2nd year

Mallory is a 2nd-year Electrical Engineering major who will be starting at Northrop Grumman as an Electrical Engineering Intern in Melbourne, Florida this summer. She learned about this opportunity through WE22/WELocal!

A Piece of Advice from Mallory:

Don’t give up! It can be overwhelming and discouraging when nothing turns out afters hours of searching and applying, but just know that there’s something out there for you!

Why did you want to become an engineer?

From a young age, I can remember helping my dad with fixing cars, which led to a natural curiosty to how things work, which caused my extreme interest in computers and electronics.

Arianna DiMenna

Computer Science and Engineering, 1st year

Arianna is a 1st-year Computer Science and Engineering major who will be starting an internship through the Disney College Program as a Cast Member in Orlando, Florida this coming spring. She learned about this opportunity through social media!

A Piece of Advice from Arianna:

Starting out is the toughest part. Even if you are a freshman like me there’s nothing stopping you from reaching for your dreams!

Why did you want to become an engineer?

My dream job is to become a Disney Imagineer and I’ve had that goal since 5th grade. I have always loved designing and making interesting projects so I thought I would explore engineering as the path for me to reach my goals.

Sammy Stenger

Computer Science and Engineering, 3rd year

Sammy is a 3rd-year Computer Science and Engineering major who will be starting at WillowTree as a Software Engineering Intern in Durham, NC this summer. She learned about this opportunity through Engineering Career Services / Handshake!

A Piece of Advice from Sammy:

It can be very time consuming, but doing a lot of research will put you ahead of the curve and you might find something perfect for you!

Why did you want to become an engineer?

I’ve always wanted a career where I can positively impact others. Also, coding is a really fun way to express creativity!

Ellie Spiewak

Biological Engineering, 2nd year

Ellie is a 2nd-year Biological Engineering major who will be starting at Kellogg’s as a Global Engineering Intern in Battle Creek, Michigan this summer. She learned about this opportunity through WE22/WELocal!

A Piece of Advice from Ellie:

Don’t be afraid to be yourself! Companies want to know who YOU are!

Why did you want to become an engineer?

I have always been interested in the food and beverage industry and have always wanted to create sustainable systems within this industry. Becoming an engineer has given me the platform to build this reality!

Kelly Finitsas

Electrical Engineering, 4th year

Kelly is a 4th-year Electrical Engineering major who will be starting a full-time position at Caterpillar Inc. as a Development Program Associate Engineer in Peoria, IL this summer. She learned about this opportunity through Engineering Career Services / Handshake!

A Piece of Advice from Kelly:

Be kind, gracious, and always smile! A glistening demeanor always trumps work experience.

Why did you want to become an engineer?

To contribute to the well-being of society!

Julia Hilmas

Mechanical Engineering, 4th year

Julia is a 4th-year Mechanical Engineering major who will be starting at Medtronic as an Ultrasonic R&D Engineering Intern in Surgical Innovations in Boulder, Colorado this summer. She learned about this opportunity through WE22/WELocal!

A Piece of Advice from Julia:

Interview the company too! I never used to listen to this piece of advice but after spending a ton of time searching for jobs, it makes it much easier to find what you like and care about in a job position by “interviewing” the company itself.

Why did you want to become an engineer?

Never stopped bugging my parents about fixing the smallest of issues around our house, and I’ve found its so rewarding to be creative and inventive on such large scales. What a cool job to have.

Jayna Lonsway

Chemical Engineering, 3rd year

Jayna is a 3rd-year Chemical Engineering major who will be starting at Anheuser-Busch as a Brewery Trainee Intern in Houston, Texas this summer. She learned about this opportunity through Engineering Career Services / Handshake!

A Piece of Advice from Jayna:

Take advantage of any and all resources Ohio State has to offer (Handshake / ECS / advising). They are here to help you make the best decision for your professional future.

Why did you want to become an engineer?

I wanted to be surrounded by those with similar interests and mindsets. I have found an incredibly intelligent and supportive community within OSU Engineering!

Logan Nethers

Biological Engineering, 3rd year

Logan is a 3rd-year Biological Engineering major who will be starting at ADM as a Production Engineer Intern in Chattanooga, Tennessee this Summer. They learned about this opportunity through WE22/WELocal!

A Piece of Advice from Logan:

Pay attention to companies diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives and benefits packages! It is a great indicator of their commitment to making diverse individuals feel welcome!

Why did you want to become an engineer?

I grew up building things and working on equipment with my dad. I always wanted to know how it all worked, and now I am learning!

Ellie Williams

Electrical Engineering, 3rd year

Ellie is a 3rd-year Electrical Engineering major who will be starting at Honda as an Electrical Engineering Co-Op in Russells Point, OH this summer. She learned about this opportunity through ECS and the SWE Career Fair!

A Piece of Advice from Ellie:

Connect with recruiters and attend career fairs! Talking to the company recruiters and engineers at events makes you memorable and makes your personality shine. Also, be yourself when having conversations at these events. It’s your time to showcase your true passions and talents!

Why did you want to become an engineer?

I decided to take a robotics class in middle school because it sounded cool. Little did I know that the class would make me realize that engineering is what I was meant to do. After that, I dove head first into research about career paths in robotics and

Sydney Golden

Food Engineering, 3rd year

Sydney is a 3rd-year Food Engineering major who will be starting at The Davey Tree Expert Company as an Engineering Intern in Richfield, OH this coming spring. She learned about this opportunity through a Local company!

A Piece of Advice from Sydney:

Make use of Engineering Career Services and make sure your resume highlights the skills and experience related to the position you are applying for!

Why did you want to become an engineer?

I love solving problems in all types of ways. Math and science were always interesting to me growing up, but I enjoy solving problems on an every day basis outside of academics too.

Mallory Smith

Mechanical Engineering, 4th year

Mallory is a 4th-year Mechanical Engineering major who will be continuing at Universal Creative as a CORE Mechanical Systems Intern in Orlando, FL this summer. She learned about this opportunity through a mentorship connection from her last rotation at the company!

A Piece of Advice from Mallory:

Lean on the communities around you for support — encouragement in the hard moments, celebration in the exciting moments, and never underestimate the power of a great mentor.

Why did you want to become an engineer?

I love to think outside the box, work with my hands, and push myself to overcome all sorts of challenges. Engineering was a natural fit where I could do all of that!

Valencia Nguyen

Industrial and Systems Engineering, 2nd year

Valencia is a 2nd-year Industrial and Systems Engineering major who will be starting a co-op at Walt Disney World as an Industrial Engineering Intern in Orlando, FL this fall. She learned about this opportunity through a fellow SWE member!

A Piece of Advice from Valencia:

Advocate for yourself during interviews, you are your own hype person!

Why did you want to become an engineer?

I really liked the endless possibilities that engineering has. There are so many opportunities to pursue in the field that I knew I wouldn’t ever feel stuck in something I didn’t like.

Maddie Reents

Aerospace Engineering, 2nd year

Maddie is a 2nd-year Aerospace Engineering major who will be starting an internship at UES, Inc as a Student Research Assistant in Dayton, Ohio this Summer. She learned about this opportunity when an employee in the company referred her!

A Piece of Advice from Maddie:

Networking is key! It’s all about who you know, so always put your best foot forward and make great first impressions!

Why did you want to become an engineer?

I wanted to become and engineer because I love problem solving and working with others.

Evie Price

Chemical Engineering, 3rd year

Evie is a 3rd-year Chemical Engineering major who will be starting an internship at Procter & Gamble as a Fabric & Home Care R&D Product Research Intern in Cincinnati, OH this summer. She learned about this opportunity through the company website!

A Piece of Advice from Evie:

When talking with recruiters or company reps, remember that they are people too! Try to have genuine and memorable conversations with them and let your interests and passion guide the conversation.

Why did you want to become an engineer?

Watching my dad solve problems every day and hearing his stories about his work within R&D inspired me to be a problem-solver. I want to inspire and encourage the next generation of engineers, the same way my dad helped me chase my dreams!

Audrey Nelson

Mechanical Engineering, 1st year

Audrey is a 1st-year Mechanical Engineering major who will be starting a co-op at Corna Kokosing Construction as a Project Engineer in Columbus, Ohio this summer. She learned about this opportunity through the SWE Career Fair!

A Piece of Advice from Audrey:

Don’t let anything hold you back! Always be open to new opportunities and take advantage of all the resources SWE and ECS provides. Also, be confident in yourself!! This is most important.

Why did you want to become an engineer?

Ever since I was little I loved to build things, and I was always passionate about using my creativity to solve problems. I also love working on teams and achieving goals with others!

Abby Pollauf

Aerospace Engineering, 2nd year

Abby is a 2nd-year Aerospace Engineering major who will be starting at Collins Aerospace as a Quality Intern in Wilson, North Carolina this summer. She learned about this opportunity through WE22/WELocal!

A Piece of Advice from Abby:

It can be a stressful process, but stay true to yourself and don’t get discouraged!

Why did you want to become an engineer?

My dad is also an engineer, and I grew up wanting to learn how different machines and technology worked. I also love being creative and problem solving!

Tomasina DeLong

Industrial and Systems Engineering, 3rd year

Tomasina is a 3rd-year Industrial and Systems Engineering major who will be starting at John Deere as a Global Supplier Quality Intern in Moline, IL this summer. She learned about this opportunity through WE22/WELocal!

A Piece of Advice from Tomasina:

Remember to stay curious, keep an open mind, and embrace every opportunity as a chance to learn and grow. Don’t be afraid to ask for help and support, and prioritize your well-being and mental health to set yourself up for success.

Why did you want to become an engineer?

I became an engineer because I love the challenge of problem-solving, the satisfaction of complex thinking, and the ability to help others in a unique and meaningful way!

Amanda Weiskind

Mechanical Engineering, 3rd year

Amanda is a 3rd-year Mechanical Engineering major who will be starting at Walt Disney Imagineering as a Ride Development Intern in Glendale, California this Summer. She learned about this opportunity through the company website!

A Piece of Advice from Amanda:

Build relationships with everyone you can! You never know, someone in a team you think is unrelated to your discipline could introduce you to the work you end up loving.

Why did you want to become an engineer?

The time and stress when I face a problem is completely outweighed by the feeling when I solve it. Being able to come up with creative solutions for products that I get to see consumers use firsthand is incredibly rewarding and why I do what I do!

Anushka Dewoolkar

Computer Science and Engineering, 2nd year

Anushka is a 2nd-year Computer Science and Engineering major who will be starting at Shure Incorporated as a System Verification Intern in Niles, Illinois this summer. She learned about this opportunity through the company website!

A Piece of Advice from Anushka:

Apply to everything you’re interested in even if it’s outside of your comfort zone and keep following up with companies to show continued interest!

Why did you want to become an engineer?

I always loved breaking things and building them back together as a kid and engineering lets me have this hands-on experience!

Nicole Lippucci

Chemical Engineering, 3rd year

Nicole is a 3rd-year Chemical Engineering major who will be continuing at Sherwin Williams as an Engineering Co-Op in Dallas, Texas this summer. She originally learned about this opportunity through WE21, and is now returning to the co-op!

A Piece of Advice from Nicole:

Don’t be afraid to show your personality and make a connection with the recruiter when talking to them at career fairs or interviews!

Why did you want to become an engineer?

Engineers have the ability to better the world by solving a range of problems, and I knew I wanted to make a difference in my future career!

Samantha Pifher

Industrial and Systems Engineering, 2nd year

Samantha is a 2nd-year Industrial and Systems Engineering major who will be starting at Owens Corning as a Manufacturing Engineering Intern in Irving, Texas this Summer. She learned about this opportunity through the OSU Engineering Career Fair!

A Piece of Advice from Samantha:

Always go after what you want no matter if you’re feeling discouraged. You never know what you’re capable of until you try!

Why did you want to become an engineer?

I want to use my leadership and technical skills to work with others and make positive impacts on the world around me.

Jess Stiene

Material Science and Engineering, 4th year

Jess is a 4th-year Material Science and Engineering major who will be starting at The Boeing Company as a Composites Fabrication Engineer Intern in Tukwila, Washington this summer. She learned about this opportunity through WE22/WELocal!

A Piece of Advice from Jess:

Always remember you are interviewing the company as much as they are interviewing you! Don’t be afraid to say no if it is not for you.

Why did you want to become an engineer?

I come from a family of non-STEM majors so I found engineering on my own after always asking for science kits and baking soda rockets growing up. I’ve always had my eyes on the sky and beyond.

Ally Lewis

Food Engineering, 1st year

Ally is a 1st-year Food Engineering major who will be starting research at Ohio State University’s Kaletunc Lab as an Undergraduate Research Assistant in Columbus, Ohio this summer. She learned about this opportunity through the OSU Food, Agricultural, and Biological Engineering Website!

A Piece of Advice from Ally:

Put yourself out there, make those connections, and rely on your engineering network for support! Your role models and mentors want to see you shine, and they have some great advice to share with you!

Why did you want to become an engineer?

I always thought math was a blast in high school, and when I realized I could use it to change the world for the better, my mind was set on engineering!

Paige Stauffer

Environmental Engineering, 2nd year

Paige is a 2nd-year Environmental Engineering major who will be starting a co-op at Corna Kokosing as an Estimator in Westerville, Ohio this summer. She learned about this opportunity through SWE Career Fair!

A Piece of Advice from Paige:

Take every opportunity you can, there are many out there! Go to every career fair you can go to, utilize ECS and SWE to build your resume and develop your interviewing skills, apply to jobs on Handshake and LinkedIn, and develop your LinkedIn page. You will be noticed when you put yourself out there and step out of your comfort zone!

Why did you want to become an engineer?

I always knew I wanted to go into a STEM field because I have always loved science and technology, I just wasn’t sure what. I have always looked up to my older sister, a fellow woman in STEM. She taught me that whatever you put your mind to, you can achieve!

Naseem Story

Biomedical Engineering, 3rd year

Naseem is a 3rd-year Biomedical Engineering major who will be starting at Sarepta Therapeutics as a Morphometrics Research Intern in Columbus, Ohio this summer. She learned about this opportunity through the company website!

A Piece of Advice from Naseem:

Ask questions and make sure the role and company is the right fit for YOU. Also, ECS is a great resource for interview prep and any job offer questions you may have!

Why did you want to become an engineer?

I’m naturally curious and I’ve always loved critical thinking! I love learning about how things work and developing solutions to problems.

Riley Fry

Mechanical Engineering, 2nd year

Riley is a 2nd-year Mechanical Engineering major who will be starting at Honda as an Engineering Intern in the Procurement and Production Support Department in Anna, OH this summer. She learned about this opportunity through the OSU Engineering Career Fair!

A Piece of Advice from Riley:

Go to career fairs! They’re the best way to talk to employers.

Why did you want to become an engineer?

I always loved finding out the “why’s” behind things, so I wanted to become an engineer to come up with creative solutions to solve problems.

Congratulations to all of our outstanding members! Best of luck in your positions this year — we are cheering you on!

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Ohio State SWE
Ohio State SWE

Written by Ohio State SWE

Our purpose is to empower women to advocate for themselves, promote diversity, and achieve their full potential as engineers and leaders.

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