Olivia Hooten, a 2023 graduate of Beavercreek High School in Beavercreek, Ohio, is on an inspiring journey that has already seen her navigate significant academic and professional milestones. Her story is a testament to the power of early exposure to engineering and the impact of internship programs on career trajectories.
A Spark Ignited Early
Olivia’s passion for engineering began in her childhood, sparked by watching Disney Imagineering films. These films, showcasing the creativity and technical prowess behind Disney's attractions, left a lasting impression on her young mind. This early fascination with engineering continued to grow throughout her school years, shaping her academic interests and career aspirations.
Summer of Innovation: A Pivotal Experience
In the summer of 2023, before starting her freshman year at the University of Dayton, Olivia participated in the Wright Brothers Institute's (WBI) Summer of Innovation program. She heard about this opportunity through the Southwestern Ohio Council on Higher Education (SOCHE) internship listings and was thrilled to be selected as a college intern. The Summer of Innovation introduced Olivia to a cohort of undergraduate college interns. This early exposure provided familiarity on campus and eased her transition into college life.
Discovering a New Path
One of the most significant impacts of the Summer of Innovation was Olivia's exposure to industrial engineering, a field she previously knew little about. The program challenged her to reconsider her initial choice of major. Although she had planned to major in chemical engineering—a subject she excelled at in high school—Olivia realized that her skills and interests were better aligned with industrial engineering.
Reflecting on this pivotal moment, Olivia said, "I feel like I had my 'OMG' moment before my classes started." This realization is not uncommon among students entering STEM fields, who often select majors based on high school success rather than a true understanding of the specialty. The Summer of Innovation gave Olivia the clarity she needed to make an informed decision about her future.
Aiming for Disney
Olivia's experience with the Summer of Innovation not only helped her find her true engineering path but also equipped her with the skills to pursue prestigious opportunities. During her freshman year, she discovered an internship opening with Disney, her childhood dream company. Despite considering it a long shot, Olivia applied and was thrilled to make it through two rounds of interviews.
The preparation she received during the Summer of Innovation was instrumental in this achievement. The program had required her to craft a strong resume and tackle challenging questions during pitch presentations. These experiences proved invaluable during her Disney interviews, particularly when she was asked on-the-spot hypothetical engineering questions by a team of all-female engineers. Olivia's ability to respond impressively was a direct result of the rigorous preparation she had undergone. She noted that WBI's Summer of Innovation was crucial in preparing her for the internship with Disney.
Words of Wisdom
Olivia's journey has taught her valuable lessons that she shares with other students. She advises, "It's OK not to have everything figured out because that's where the good stuff comes along." She also recommends, "Keep your options open, fight the urge to plan everything out, and don't get your mind set on one idea." This curiosity mindset allowed Olivia to take advantage of a fall Disney internship, rather than a summer internship she had hoped for.
Building Connections
Currently, Olivia is further improving her connections within the University of Dayton by working on campus this summer in the engineering department. This opportunity allows her to build relationships with faculty and work on side projects she wouldn't normally have access to. These experiences are enriching her academic life and providing additional practical experience in her chosen field.
Looking Ahead
Olivia Hooten's journey from high school graduate to aspiring industrial engineer is a powerful example of how early exposure to engineering and internship programs can shape and refine career aspirations. Her story underscores the importance of exploring various engineering fields and the value of internships in providing practical experience and professional growth. As Olivia continues her studies at the University of Dayton, her future in industrial engineering looks bright, filled with opportunities to innovate and inspire.