We encourage all Chemistry majors to complete an internship prior to graduation.
Otterbein University and the Chemistry Department know how internships can catalyze careers. These experiences are critically important for students in allowing them to apply course skills to real world situations and in shaping their future career goals. Internships can take place locally in Central Ohio or around the country.
Students interested in careers in chemistry have recently gained valuable experience at the following organizations that each focus on different aspects of chemistry – manufacturing, materials, chemical information, forensic chemistry and more.
- Lubrizol Corporation, a provider of specialty chemicals for the transportation, industrial and consumer markets.
- SCI Engineered Materials.
- CAS, a global organization of expert scientists, technologists, and business leaders with a successful and extended history of delivering scientific information opportunities.
- Omega Laboratories, a state-of-the-art advanced specimen testing laboratory.
- Parker Hannafin, a multinational company that supplies the world with precision-engineered solutions for commercial, mobile, industrial and aerospace markets.
- Quanta BioDesign, leading supplier and developer of dPEG® used in modification of therapeutic macromolecules.
- Scotts Miracle Gro, an American multinational corporation headquartered in Marysville that manufactures consumer lawn, garden and pest control products.
- S.E.A. Limited, a powerful resource specializing in forensic consulting services.
Students interested in careers in human health take advantage of the abundant medical facilities and private practices close to campus. They spend many hours shadowing doctors and working in labs, gaining great experience for professional school applications.
Student examples & outcomes:
Liz Isaac, ’18, knew she liked chemistry but wasn’t sure what to do with her degree. During her summers from 2016 to 2018, she participated in a highly competitive internship program at the Lubrizol Corporation, which hired her after graduation; Liz is now employed as a Chemist at Lubrizol. But, she is not the only Cardinal at the company. This internship opportunity was introduced to Otterbein students by alumnus and die-hard Cardinal, Dr. Michael Huston, ’86, Senior Technical Fellow at Lubrizol. Previously, Devon Fitzgerald, ’15, participated in this internship program, which allowed him expand and apply his chemical knowledge. Devon now works as a water quality analyst for the City of Columbus Public Utilities Department. Lily Nichols, ’22, will be the next chemistry major in the Cardinal family to complete an internship at Lubrizol.
Jared Swartzentruber, ’14, discovered his interests while completing an internship at Scotts Miracle Gro in Summer ’13. Jared’s first job after graduating from Otterbein was at Scotts and he recently accepted another position as a Customer Service Engineer with PerkinElmer.
Elizabeth Tinapple ’19, had always had an interest in forensic science. After completing an internship at S.E.A. Limited in Summer ‘18, she knew it was the right field for her. Elizabeth is now employed as an Analytical Chemistry at S.E.A. Ltd.
Jeremy Young, ’00, began exploring his career options as an intern at Worthington Industries. Today, he is the President & CEO of SCI Engineered Materials. Knowing the opportunities an internship can provide for professional development, Jeremy has hired Otterbein chemistry majors as interns, including Sam Farrar, ’20. Sam is now pursuing graduate studies at Wayne State University.