By Branden Ferguson

Recent Bowling Green State University alumna Emma Gardner '24 spent her college career focused on one of the fastest-growing and most sought-after disciplines within mathematics in hopes of landing a job at a big-name company.

"I studied mathematics with a specialization in data science," Gardner said. "Adding a minor in business, I imagined my dream job with a big company doing lots of data manipulation and creating visualizations."

Gardner's dream quickly became a reality with the help of BGSU and the Kuhlin Hub for Career Design and Connections.

"At the Kuhlin Hub, student success is our priority," said Steve Russell, assistant vice president for corporate partnerships and executive director of the Kuhlin Career Hub. "We serve as the front door to BGSU for companies, offering our students the opportunity to create connections with industry professionals, often leading to co-ops, internships and mentorships."

After completing two internships with Paramount Insurance, Gardner attended the Kuhlin Career Hub's Falcon Career Showcase in the spring in search of a new opportunity.

"Our team works directly with industry partners to understand their needs. We then curate opportunities like the Falcon Career Showcase to provide students with the chance to 'showcase' to our partners how they can meet their needs," said Russell.

Gardner spoke with every company in attendance, asking about open positions in data science.

"Honda offered me a full-time co-op, allowing me to compile data, complete calculations and create pages and visualizations for a human resources analytics dashboard," Gardner said.

As part of the internship, Gardner attended a learning academy in North Carolina and had an opportunity to present her work.

Unknown to Gardner, the vice president of human resources for American Honda Motor Company was in attendance and was impressed with her presentation.

"At the end of my presentation, he came up to compliment me and my work, asking if I was planning to continue working with Honda," Gardner said. "I told him that unfortunately, there were no positions available."

Later in the day, the Honda executive returned to tell Gardner that if she was still interested in a position with Honda, they would make it happen.

"Not only did they offer me a full-time position as a data and business intelligence analyst, but they also offered me a part-time position during my last semester of college," said Gardner.

"I cannot thank BGSU enough, as they prepared me for this role, gave me the knowledge needed to be successful and provided me the opportunity to meet with Honda during the career fair. The transition was seamless. I was working during my last semester of school and started working full-time the Monday after graduation."