Alumna: Liz Holmes
Graduation Year and Major: Chemical Engineering, 2021
Employer: 3M
Role: Senior Project Engineer
Q: What are some of your primary job responsibilities?
I work with the plant team at our manufacturing facilities to figure out what is needed to make our factory run more efficiently and reliably, and to introduce new products. Anything that would require obtaining new equipment, modifying current equipment, or bringing in a new system is something I’d work on. I work with the team to identify what problems and opportunities there are, and then we come up with the solution. This includes working with team members in all types of engineering disciplines. We do design reviews, equipment optimization, construction oversight, procurement, and even a bit of business work as well.
Q: What is the most exciting part of your role?
I think the most exciting part is when we get to build new equipment that creates a new product. When corporate has an idea for a new product, it starts from the idea phase in the lab and then gets brought over to the factory to scale it. Then I get to see it all turn into a new product! For example, I was able to do work on one of the key starting reactors for Command Strips that many people currently use in their houses or dorm rooms, which was really exciting.
Q: Did you learn anything from your experiences at Villanova? How has VU impacted your career path?
I feel so passionately that Villanova had a great engineering education, particularly because we had professors who have worked in industry. They shared process diagrams and gave us real examples of things they had worked on in the oil and gas industry. When I got to 3M in my first role, I came in with an understanding of what instruments and equipment do because my professors had all worked in manufacturing for so many years. My co-workers were astounded that I had all this knowledge as a new graduate, and it set me apart; I got promoted faster and was able to be part of bigger projects faster, all because I had such a strong foundation through Villanova.
Q: How did you land your job?
I feel like I’m the “poster child” for Villanova networking: I landed all of my internship roles and my full-time role through Villanova alumni connections! When I was a sophomore, I was able to intern for a local environmental consulting agency because they had recruited at the VU Career Fair. After graduating, I immediately started an internship with 3M, also through networking at the Career Fair – I loved 3M, but the department wasn’t a perfect fit. Another Villanova alum at the company was able to connect me with my current manager, and I’ve been with this new team ever since!
Q: Any advice for current Villanovans?
When you’re looking for a job and just applying online, that’s usually not how you’re going to get the job. You need to talk to people – jump onto Linkedin, find Villanova alumni, and message them. That’s how I landed all my opportunities: leverage your network!
Also, be open-minded. See where new opportunities go. I originally hadn’t had the goal to work in manufacturing and plant engineering, but now I love it and I plan to spend my whole career there. Be open to giving something a try. Nothing has to be forever!
