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As a result of her hard work and initiative during a previous internship at Air Products and Chemicals, Inc. headquarters in Allentown, Bonnie Hoy ’07 (Smithville, N.J.) secured a position for this summer at their location in Shanghai, China.
“China is the fastest growing market for many industries; the market for commercial gas is no different,” says Hoy. “As an aspiring chemical engineer and as a Chinese American, this job with a commercial gas company, like Air Products in [Shanghai] is a perfect fit.”
Hoy is the first Air Products intern ever to be given a spot overseas and it did not come easily. It took many hours of meetings with managers, phone conferences, and interviews to convince the company that she would be a good investment and to work out the details of her job.
During her Energy and Process Industries (EPI) Development Internship, created by the company to fit Hoy’s interests, she will be responsible for learning and contributing to the growth of the EPI business in Asia. Some of the tasks include understanding each market’s needs and developing a strategy to supply products safely and economically. She will also be collaborating with the engineering and financial team, and preparing engineering flowcharts and simulations for feasibility plans. The experience will be paid for in part by a Class of 1974 internship endowment, which she was awarded by the college.
Starting with Air Products and Chemicals Inc. last summer in the commercial technology group as a sophomore, she was involved in chemical research and development as well as business administration. This proved to be a valuable experience for Hoy, as the chemical engineering major found her interest lies on the business end of the industry.
“Bonnie had a tremendous experience at Air Products and clearly demonstrated her willingness to learn and contribute,” notes Nanette Cooley, assistant director of employer relations at Career Services and Hoy’s adviser.
Being a well-rounded student, she is prepared for her next endeavor in Asia.
“With an engineering background, I will be able to use my technical expertise to discuss with potential customers the technical details of the company’s products,” explains Hoy. “Additionally, my bilingual abilities will be able to provide a bridge between Air Products headquarters in the U.S. and the Air Products division in China.”
In Shanghai, Hoy plans to utilize her education gained at Lafayette to make a difference on another continent.
“Accepting this offer to work for Air Products, China, as an intern is the first step in achieving my career goal of using my engineering knowledge to assist in the growth and development of the country of my heritage,” she says.
Hoy found her first internship in Lafayette’s Career Services job vault. Then she and Cooley worked closely through the Gateway Program to develop a resume, write a cover letter, and prepare for her first professional interview.
“I knew that she was special after meeting her for the first time,” says Cooley, who adds she looks forward to keeping in touch with the student while abroad.
“There is no greater reward than seeing a student realize their passion and find an environment that facilitates their professional growth and development. That is why we are here—that is why we do what we do.”