July 26, 2024

Meet Ellise Wright, a junior biomedical engineering student. She chose the major at Mizzou Engineering because of its cross-disciplinary reach and her ability to explore many facets of engineering, such as circuitry, mechanics, biology and chemistry, among others, through the program.

“I took my first engineering-based class in high school where I saw engineering as a field for driving positive impact on the world through innovation,” she said. “I chose biomedical engineering because I liked the idea of being able to improve the world through engineering while playing to my strengths in problem-solving, mathematics and physics.”

This summer, Wright is in Phoenix, Arizona, completing an internship at PepsiCo. We asked her a few questions about the experience.

Tell us about your internship at PepsiCo. What’s your role and primary responsibility?

I am currently a Supply Chain Intern at the PepsiCo Phoenix, Arizona, manufacturing plant where I work in the quality department. My primary responsibility is to work on observing current sanitation and operating procedures on the production floor and finding opportunities to improve current documentation and efficiency of workflow for sanitation procedures.

What’s a typical day like?

Typically, my days always look a little different. They usually consist of connecting with my manager to communicate daily goals. From there, I will partner with the quality/sanitation technicians, supervisors and production operators to observe and take notes on procedures. When I am not busy observing a procedure, I will update documentation to provide a more detailed and user-friendly guide with visuals. I will also look for better ways to store equipment to improve workflow.

How did Mizzou Engineering prepare you for this internship?

Through projects in my courses, I have learned how to identify and solve problems. Core classes have given me knowledge on how to apply physical principles to help reduce inefficiencies within processes and provide numerical justification for solutions.

Involvement with organizations within the College of Engineering, such as the Society of Women Engineers, has helped me develop professionally and given me the skills to properly communicate in the workplace.

How did Mizzou Engineering Career Services assist you with securing or preparing for this internship?

Mizzou Engineering Career Services helped me improve ways to advocate and market myself online and in person with recruiters. A resume is one of the first impressions recruiters have and Mizzou Engineering Career Services helps me update and perfect my resume every year. The Engineering Career Fair at Mizzou has helped me learn how to develop an elevator pitch and interact with companies. These skills helped secure my internship when meeting PepsiCo at the WE23 conference.

What have you enjoyed most working at PepsiCo?

I have definitely enjoyed working with others at PepsiCo the most! My role requires me to interact with supervisors and technicians daily and every day I get to learn so much from their experiences. The atmosphere they create allows me to freely ask questions and learn something new and exciting every day.

What have you learned from your internship experience?

The biggest takeaway for me has been learning how much work goes into the process of making something from start to finish and all the pieces that fit into it. Getting something from the production floor to a grocery store shelf takes a lot of careful planning and work.

What advice would you give other students wanting to undertake an internship in this area?

Do not be afraid to take that first step and network. Becoming involved within the College of Engineering has been instrumental for me in connecting me with companies and helping me grow professionally. Go to the career fair, that first meeting or whatever it may be. It may be intimidating to have a conversation with a recruiter or to get that first internship, but it is so rewarding when you put yourself out there. You never know who you will end up meeting or where it will take you.

Thanks for sharing!

Earn an engineering degree at a college that supports students’ careers. Choose Mizzou Engineering!