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After she graduated Ohio State biological engineering major Emma Rand started a job with GE Healthcare's Supply Chain Development program.

As they start their new post-college lives, recent Ohio State graduates have an opportunity to stop and reflect on what four years on campus meant to them and their growth as people.

Below, four graduates reflect on their time here and how it prepared them for the next chapter of their lives.

‘This campus feels like home’

Emma Rand, a biological engineering major, wasn’t sure what career or company she would be working for in the future when she started at Ohio State four years ago.

Through career events hosted by Ohio State and GE Healthcare Systems, Emma learned about the variety of paths open to her, as well as GE Healthcare’s core values and mission. At these events and through networking with Buckeye alumni, Emma was able to obtain an internship with GE Healthcare during the summer of 2021, with a focus in manufacturing.

That internship led to a job waiting for her after graduation. Emma was accepted into GE Healthcare’s Supply Chain Development Program, which will expose her to even more roles in the company, giving her experience in areas such as manufacturing engineering and leadership.

When reflecting on her time at Ohio State, Emma states, “This campus feels like home from the second you move in.” Specifically, Emma credits her time as a Resident Advisor for fostering her leadership skills and giving her the confidence to pursue her professional endeavors.

Looking ahead, Emma is excited to find a new home in Milwaukee and start her professional career.

A Buckeye adventure

As a Forestry, Fisheries, and Wildlife major, Gautam Apte always has had an affinity for nature and adventure.

At Ohio State, Gautam took classes where he collected ecological data and analyzed wildlife habitat quality. Gautam, a 2022 College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences Distinguished Senior Award recipient, knew he chose the right major when he found most of his courses taking place outside in nature, rather than a traditional classroom.

With this knowledge, Gautam knew he wanted to pursue a career where he could be outside and experiencing his research firsthand.

After graduation, Gautam will take a position as a seasonal field worker and researcher at Oregon State University. He will study the wildlife of the Great Basin, performing field surveys for breeding birds in mountainous habitats, including in the Sierra Nevadas.

Fisher College of Business student Sonal Thumar started a job with Microsoft after she graduated in May.

Buckeye bonds

When Sonal Thumar, an accounting major in Fisher College of Business, reflects on her time at Ohio State, friendship is at the forefront of her mind.

For Sonal, Ohio State was an intimidating place when she started her first year. Four years later, Ohio State is home to her best friends, best memories and a wide network of people who shaped her. She praises Ohio State for introducing her to new perspectives and people.

"Meeting new people from all walks of life encouraged me to challenge my way of thinking and become my truest self," Sonal says.

From dancing in the rain at the Columbus Greek Festival to networking with fellow Buckeyes as a Fisher Ambassador, Sonal has cherished her time in Columbus and is excited to join Microsoft Corp. after graduation.

Sonal was able to land a position in Microsoft’s Finance Rotational Program through connecting and learning from Buckeye alumni. The program will give her insight into various roles and business functions over a two-year period.

‘Celebrate the small accomplishments’

Snigdha Kalluri, a computer and engineering major, was struggled with typical freshmen nerves the first time she arrived at Ohio State. But thanks to the university’s welcoming community and opportunities, Snigdha was able to grow and become the person she is today.

Snigdha is especially thankful for her best friend and the Society of Women Engineers, who encouraged and supported her during  tough times, building her confidence in the process.

Following graduation, Snigdha will be participating in a one-year rotational program with the Bank of New York Mellon Corp, where she will be a part of the Asset Servicing and Digital team of the Emerging Leaders Program.

“College is a combination of ups and downs and everything in between, so remember to celebrate the small accomplishments!” Snigdha would advise prospective and current students. Four years ago, Ohio State felt huge to Snighda. Now, as a graduating senior, she is excited to take on an even bigger adventure after commencement: New York City.