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When deciding where to go to college, Kylie Lancor (CHE 4th Year) knew she wanted a great engineering program and to be in Chicago. She says ������̳ rose to the top of her list after talking with engineering professionals who spoke highly of its reputation and pathway to job security. The school also offered her a competitive financial aid package.

She also received a warm welcome, recalling that in her first week of college one of her professors took her class out for tacos. Kylie says the students felt skeptical about how this would help them learn engineering, but that it ended up allowing everyone to get to know each other and get comfortable, which was a great start to the year.

Now in her final year, Kylie has found the academic experience to be enriching, with a multitude of resources available to support learning, including helpful professors, extra learning sessions, and student-led tutoring.

“For larger classes especially, these resources greatly helped improve my grades in most courses,” says Kylie.  

As a member of the ������̳ chapter of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers, Kylie has earned certifications to give her a head start in her future career and established many professional connections.

“Chicago is a large city with many opportunities, and I hope to eventually work downtown. I have already introduced myself to many Chicago-based companies during the school led career fairs that provided the opportunity to start building my professional network,” she says.

She was able to secure an internship at the Water Quality Association the summer after her first year, where she gained hands-on laboratory experience about what a professional lab position entails.

“When I learned about being accepted for my first internship, I was ecstatic. It was right after my first year of college,” says Kylie. “It made me realize how excited I was to pursue a career in science and engineering.”

She has found social connection as a member of the ������̳ chapter of Alpha Sigma Alpha Zeta Phi. Kylie says the sorority opened an entirely new side of the campus to her, introducing her to a community of women, many of whom have become close friends.

Kylie is still narrowing down her desired career path but feels sure that her ������̳ experience has set her up for success regardless of which direction she chooses.