Career updates for the Class of 2018!

Noelle Wojciechowski ’18

Noelle Wojciechowski ’18

Major: engineering physics

“I am a mechanical engineer at CRB Consulting Engineers, Inc. and started there in June. I am currently working in the Kalamazoo, Michigan office. I’m on a team within the company that focuses primarily on project work at Pfizer, a major pharmaceutical company, which has one of its largest manufacturing facilities in the world in Portage, Michigan, just 3 miles from our office. On a day-to-day basis, I assist mid to senior-level engineers with drafting and HVAC/piping design, coordinating with other disciplines such as electrical and architectural, to put together review or construction packages for our clients. Often I go onsite at Pfizer to do field verification of our designs or to attend client meetings.

“I received my degree in mechanical engineering after being in the Dual Degree Program at Randolph. I chose to attend Washington University in St. Louis for those two years. Randolph prepared me for the difficult workload there as well as for my career in many ways. I was part of the volleyball team and took on leadership roles for the Science Festival and the Society of Physics Students. Participating in these extracurriculars taught me how to lead others and function effectively on a team—traits that are incredibly important in my career now. I also gained valuable writing skills at Randolph, which are useful not only in day-to-day e-mail correspondence but also communication in major client packages.”

Keion Robinson ’18

Keion Robinson ’18

Major: communication studies

“I work as a contributor for Phenom Hoop Report, an NCAA compliant recruiting service. My title is scout/journalist for high school basketball in Virginia, mainly the Richmond area. In my role, I attend high school basketball events to conduct features on players and/or teams, which are then uploaded onto our website and social media. I also meet up with players, coaches, trainers, etc. personally on the side.

“The tight-knit community of Randolph greatly prepared me for interactions I now have with various individuals. As a communication studies and English/creative writing double minor, the two subjects helped me improve my skills of social media and writing that I now integrate into my work as a basketball journalist. For the sports aspect, playing as a four-year member on the men’s basketball team at Randolph developed my overall basketball knowledge and how to connect with these younger players, as well as noting their strengths and weaknesses on the court. Randolph has helped me in tremendous ways, and I’m very grateful for my four years as a Wildcat.”

Jessica Burroughs ’18

Jessica Burroughs ’18

Major: business and economics

“I work as an HR Systems Associate at EAB. Everything I do relates back to the data EAB collects on its current, previous, and future employees. Sometimes that means pulling reports for senior executives at the company, other times that means working with employees to correct/update their data on time tracking, benefits, compensation, etc.

“At Randolph, I picked up a few technical skills, such as writing executive summaries and analyzing large sets of data, that I use in my role; however, the transferrable skills I gained behind the Red Brick Wall have been so much more important to my daily work life. During college, my analytical thinking, communication, and time management skills improved exponentially, both from my interactions inside and outside the classroom. As a liberal arts college, Randolph does an incredible job at emphasizing that students build strong writing skills, enroll in diverse courses, and use the vast network of resources (tutors, advisors, counselors, etc.) so that graduates are prepared to succeed in any role they take on.”

Patricia Garrett ’18

Patricia Garrett ’18

Major: sport and exercise studies

“I currently work two jobs: therapy tech at OrthoVirginia and assistant coach for Randolph Women’s Soccer.

“As a therapy tech, I assist physical therapists with their daily tasks, instruct and monitor patients with their rehabilitation protocols, and create a positive environment for patients.

“As an assistant coach, I assist coach [Kevin] Porterfield in organizing the soccer program, providing motivation and instruction for student-athletes in game strategies, and recruit for future student athletes to continue on the Randolph women’s soccer family.

“Randolph was able to prepare me for these opportunities by providing me with a great advisor who not only taught me the relationships between exercise and human performance throughout my major of sport and exercise studies, but helped me turn that internship into a great job opportunity. By being a student-athlete, I was able to learn the importance of time management and core leadership values that are essential not only in life, but also my current profession as an assistant coach. Randolph allowed me to create and build lifelong connections and friendships and taught me the importance of always being an original.”

Kadri Hearns ’18

Kadri Hearns ’18

Major: mathematics

“I’m currently a software engineer I at LexisNexis Risk Solutions, Alpharetta location. I run test cases and ensure the code runs properly, and if it doesn’t, then I debug and correct it. As I recently started, some of my responsibilities will be changing soon after some of the training.

“The Preliminary Java classes at Randolph were very beneficial to me in my current job as I am using Java and Python programs currently. However, what Randolph really helped me with is partnering me with an excellent advisor who continually pushed me when I really needed it. Professors Ordower and Sheldon didn’t take no for an answer, knew I could do better, and were very encouraging, so for this job and others I know that I can do whatever is needed if I keep trying. I was also a student-athlete trying to balance studies and my sport. That time management is extraordinarily helpful, and so was having a coach that made sure we finished what we needed to get done so that we could not only excel on the field but also in the classroom. All of that helps not just with work, but with life. There’s always another way, so if you fail the first time you have to keep trying.”

Melissa Vandiver ’18

Melissa Vandiver ’18

Major: art history

“In my job at the Lynchburg Museum, I am a museum guide, so I work in three positions: at the reception desk of the museum, greeting and directing visitors and working on curatorial projects; at Point of Honor, a historical house in Lynchburg, giving tours; and at the Point of Honor gift shop.

“Randolph helped prepare me for this role through internships, hands-on service learning projects, and work study positions. Various in- and out of class experiences through Randolph taught me how to work efficiently and professionally to thrive in this and any position.”