Hi! My name is Caroline Campbell and I am a Senior Honor’s Chemical Engineer with a general business minor from Bryant, Arkansas.  I am also a Lady Razorback soccer player here at the University of Arkansas. My future goals are still uncertain but my plan is to go into industry, most likely the medical/biomedical field. I will also take the GRE in case I decide to further my education by attending graduate school. I am considering getting an MBA or possibly a Ph.D. in chemical engineering. The MBA would help me in the industry because it would make me well-rounded and would help me transition into the management side. Or I could get my Ph.D. in chemical engineering focusing on membrane technology.  

This summer I was fortunate enough to intern with Baxter International in Round Lake, Illinois. The process started back in the fall when I started making serious plans for my future. I attended the fall STEM Career Fair and had several interviews and offers for internships. I chose to intern with Baxter International for the summer before my final year at the U of A.  This was my number one choice out of all the companies at the Career Fair and I was extremely excited about the opportunity.  

Right around the time I began getting more information about my internship, Covid-19 started to affect everything. There were a couple of moments where I thought that my internship would be canceled or completely remote at home. However, I received a phone call about a month before my start date, confirming my internship and all the details. Due to the uncertainty of if or when interns would be allowed “on-campus” to see the facilities, I was housed in Round Lake. I worked remotely but could go into the facility for lab work. After hearing how many jobs, internships, or co-ops were canceled or delayed from classmates, I knew I was extremely fortunate. 

At Baxter, I was placed with the Value Improvement Program team that standardized global protocols and improve existing manufactured products. I gained a lot of valuable experience in my internship including improving my technical writing and data analytics. I became proficient in Minitab as I created data analytics packages. Being in the medical field requires more paperwork to prove the quality and safety of products and procedures. I was also able to gain more experience in the lab. I learned how to operate several new machines such as a Keyence Microscope while performing feasibility tests. I was able to sit in on several meetings that discussed the business side of the industry including business proposals. This was extremely interesting to me because of my minor. My classes have taught me that knowing the engineering concepts is important but it is necessary to be able to see the business and economic side of the company or plant.   

I wish I could say that during this great learning experience I was able to experience Chicago, which was less than an hour away, however, Illinois was closed due to the pandemic. I was disappointed that I couldn’t wear my Cubs shirt to a game at Wrigley Field but I am wearing one today as they play (while writing this blog).  

I am extremely thankful to everyone that helps with the STEM Career Fair. I also appreciate everyone at Baxter that made sure my internship happened and was a positive experience.