BRANDI COTA

1. What is your job title? Environmental Scientist at Talon LPE

2. How did you find this job?  I found the job for Talon LPE by talking and submitting a resume to a representative at the Career Fair, which was hosted by Career Services in the Activities Center at WTAMU. 

I was also offered a position at Halliburton after I applied and received an interview through Career Services.  Also, I interviewed and was offered a position at ASK Laboratories because they found my resume on the WT Experience resume database. 

However, I believe that I made the right choice by becoming part of the team at Talon LPE because there are so many different opportunities and room for advancement with this company.  The decision for me was easy, because during the interview I really felt that Talon LPE was where I belonged.  Plus, this company has excellent personnel and great benefits.    

3. How is your job going so far?  I started my job about a month ago and am really enjoying it thus far.  I get to learn so many new things everyday, and the people I work with are always willing to lend a helping hand.  Even though my major was in chemistry and biology, I have really enjoyed the environmental field because I feel as if I am making a difference by helping monitor, clean up, and protect the environment.

4. What services did you use at Career & Counseling services?  I used many services at Career and Counseling services.  The first thing I decided to utilize was the resume workshop which was very helpful because I finally got a grasp as to what a resume was supposed to include. After gathering my resume and having Career Services critique it, I put my resume in the Experience database. 

I actually had several companies look at my resume and call me for an interview after I placed my resume on Experience.  After the resume was completed and submitted I decided that I needed to brush up on my interviewing skills.  Therefore, I went to a mock interview where I was placed in an interviewing atmosphere and then was critiqued over my performance. 

6. Do you have any advice for other students?  Honestly, the best thing that I ever did was get involved with Career and Counseling Services.  If it weren't for them I am not sure that I would have a job at all.  I really believe that they put every effort into helping each student find a career that is best suited for them.  I wish that I would have gone to them way earlier than the summer before I graduated.  However, if you are willing to put forth the effort, listen to and then follow their advice, you will be well on your way to your dream job.  

7. What was the most fun spring break you had while in college? What did you do?  The best spring break trip I have ever taken was Spring Break 2007.  My friends and I took a trip to San Antonio for four days.  We went to the River Walk one evening for dinner at the Hard Rock Café, which has absolutely amazing food and atmosphere.  We also went to Schlitterbaun Water Park where we spent a whole day riding rides and relaxing in the lazy river.  Finally, we went to Sea World where we got to see many different animal shows.  It was the best time because I was with my friends, and it was my last spring break in college.