Meet Liana Esposito
Your major and date of graduation:
Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering with a concentration in pharmaceuticals and biotechnology, 2007
What are you doing after graduation?
I will be working as an associate chemist in the make-up research and development labs for L’Oreal USA in Clark, NJ. But beginning in September I will be spending six months in France outside of Paris training.
What is the one piece of advice you have for underclassmen about deciding on a career or job?
One piece of advice for underclassmen is to take advantage of your four undergraduate years and learn as much as you can about yourself and how your personality can help to choose your career for you. Use opportunities on-campus to do so. For example, I was dead-set on going into pharmaceuticals, so I got a job in a lab on-campus and realized I am not patient enough to work in pharma. I needed faster results. Consumer products fits my personality much better, and I am so excited to be working for L’Oreal next year. Be open to possibilities. Best of luck!
Did you have an internship with the organization that you will be working for full-time?
Yes, the summer before senior year.
What career paths have you been considering?
Consumer products and pharmaceuticals (R&D and manufacturing)
Consulting
Patent Law
What influenced your decision for your post graduation plans?
My personality and needs: I wanted a quick turn-around time and consumer products has that. I also fell in love with L’Oreal.
What do you think made you most marketable as a candidate for the position for which you were hired?
I’m qualified, I made an impression during my internship, and am an engineer with a social ability to hold meetings and network.
When did you start looking?
August before my senior year I officially began the job search, but I’ve been doing research since my freshman year about it.
How long did it take to find a job?
I received my offer October 31 and accepted, and withdrew from all other candidate pools.
How did you develop your interviewing skills?
Practice with friends and enjoy it. When else do you get to talk about yourself for 30 minutes?
What 1 or 2 interview questions surprised you?
“What does creativity men to you?”
What is the one thing you wish you knew as an undergraduate at Penn?
Enjoy your time as an undergrad, but keep in mind that at the end of four (or five) years you will need to get a job or go to graduate school
Your recommended links for careers/job searching?
Any and all career fairs! Face time with employers is so important.
