Florida Polytechnic University senior Korrie Smith will begin a full-time position as a technical specialist with Sarasota County’s Transportation Department after he receives his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering on Sunday, May 5. He is one of many students who have already secured a post-graduation job in their chosen field.
With a commitment to producing 100% STEM graduates ready to fill high-tech, high-demand jobs across the state, Florida Polytechnic University will graduate more than 200 students on Sunday, May 5 with many beginning full-time positions just days later.
Korrie Smith, who is graduating with a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, will begin work as a technical specialist with Sarasota County’s Transportation Department.
“We will be creating new and improved methods for optimizing transportation and the general roadways, and we have initiatives for cleaning up the coastlines,” said Smith, who interviewed for the position after meeting county representatives at last fall’s on-campus career and internship fair.
“I think I impressed them in the interview and was able to secure the position by the end of last semester. It’s been really rewarding to have that future already planned and know what I’m going to do.”
Among the employers that graduates will be heading to beginning next week are Deloitte, Amazon, American Express, Assist Rx, AEVEX Aerospace, and the U.S. Air Force. Many others are entering graduate programs at Florida Poly and other prestigious institutions around the country.
“I’m joining Berkeley Research Group as a healthcare data analyst,” said Madison Yonash, who will receive her bachelor’s degree in business analytics. “I’m excited to continue my professional development working in the field of healthcare. There will be a wide variety of projects that I’ll be working on, which is very similar to how Florida Poly structures their courses to be project-based. I'm feeling prepared to begin my career with a wide array of tools for data analysis in my belt.”
Allison Pirpich, the University’s director of career services and professional development, said that students are successful when they take an active approach to their career, take ownership of the process, and take advantage of the resources available. These include the technical skills and academic theory learned in the classroom, the industry experience gained through required internships and industry-sponsored capstone projects, networking opportunities at events like company days on campus and career fairs, and Career Services’ direct support like resume reviews, interview practice, and employer connections.
“We find that students who engage with our services are more successful with getting good internships and full-time positions after graduating,” she said. “We think about the student holistically and try to meet them wherever they are, whether that’s at the exploratory phase, ready to apply, or negotiating an offer.”
According to the state’s MyFloridaFuture educational research and comparison tool, Florida Poly graduates continue to earn the highest average salaries among all state universities one year after graduation.
“Florida Poly gives the students everything they need to pursue the goals they have for themselves and help them be successful,” Pirpich said.
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Lydia Guzmán
Director of Communications
863-874-8557
