For senior biological sciences major Brenna Doering, a typical day at Agilent Technologies includes checking emails, setting up meetings and collaborating with the sales team to educate customers on their lab instruments and products.

Doering is a chromatography sales intern and she found her current role by using Handshake. 

“I set different parameters for location, school year and major of interest,” Doering said. “I scrolled through every day and applied to everything I felt semi-qualified for.”

Now, Doering is involved in outreach for Agilent, calling and emailing small academic labs, large pharma and biotech companies and research institutions to follow up on leads, make progress checks and inquire about new project plans and upgrades. 

“We also do a lot of internal networking and get to visit Agilent demo labs where customers test instruments,” she said. “It’s really cool to see the technology we talk about in action and the real scientific progress we make happen.” 

Doering’s internship will continue beyond the summer, transitioning to a part-time role during the school year and hopefully a full-time role after graduation. 

“Agilent has been such an amazing experience already,” she said. “Their mission and culture is one that I’m proud to be a part of. The work we do is so rewarding, combining my love for science and technology with human connection. They taught us about the ability to have your foot in the door and network.”

In addition to Handshake, Doering attended career fairs and utilized UD Career Center services to best prepare for her job search, connecting with Assistant Director of Academic & Career Integration Sarah Paal.

“Sarah taught me a lot about applications, where to apply and resume help,” said Doering. “Something that stuck with me was her advice about putting yourself out there, even if you don’t feel 100-percent qualified. It’s worth a shot.” 

“The UDCC helped me feel prepared and confident throughout the entire job search process,” she continued. “Improving my resume and cover letters. The career coaching especially helped me narrow down what I was really looking for and how to target companies that aligned with my interests. Without the UDCC, I don’t think I would’ve felt nearly as ready or landed the position I’m in now.”

The Collegeville, Pa. native emphasized the importance of using UDCC to gain insight into her professional prospects and get a glimpse into post-graduate success. 

“Exposure to these things is so important. As the oldest child, I’m kind of the guinea pig in the college world,” Doering said. “My parents didn’t know anything really about Handshake or the way the job and internship market works for college students nowadays. I had never had super professional interviews since I only really worked jobs like a server at home. The exposure to this professional world really opened my eyes; it was almost like jumping headfirst into cold water. UDCC gave me advice that I couldn’t really get elsewhere.”

In addition to her Agilent internship, Doering also spent time working in the Jaramillo Lambert genetics research lab and stays involved on campus through intramural volleyball and as a peer mentor for First Year Seminar. 

“UD really transformed me in the best way. I came in a little unsure, but over time I became more confident and open to new experiences. I made so many friends just through classes, campus events and saying yes to things outside my comfort zone,” she said. “Loving my own experience so much made me want to give back—that’s why I became a peer mentor. I wanted to help incoming first-year students find their footing and feel like they belong here the way I eventually did.”

Doering also participated in the UD Study Abroad Winter Session program in Hawaii. To earn her global health minor, she took courses in global healthcare, as well as women and gender in healthcare. 

“Our classroom was the boat, the beach and the ocean. We met with so many locals and learned firsthand about their experiences,” Doering said. “Tourism is their best source of income, but when done disrespectfully, it can really harm the natives. We learned about their struggles with transportation to health centers and ability to get medicine, and the health disparities Pacific Islanders face because of isolation. We even island-hopped and learned how the culture and health needs vary from island to island.”

Outside of the program, Doering took part in fun, traditional Hawaiian activities. 

“We did snorkeling, boating, bus tours of the whole island, group dinners and luaus, and I also went skydiving,” she said. “This trip was truly the experience of a lifetime. I cannot say enough good things about it. Being in that environment and connecting with other students was a turning point for me and made me realize how much I wanted to be involved in a role like this—science for the greater good of humanity. I have told everyone in my life at UD, you must go abroad.”

Doering offers advice for other students pursuing professional opportunities and looking to make the most of their student experience. 

“Use every resource available to you, especially the Career Center. Ask questions, go to career fairs and network with people in roles you’re curious about. Apply even if you’re unsure. Building real relationships, both professionally and personally, can open more doors than you might expect,” she said. “My biggest piece of advice is don’t underestimate the power of being genuine and personable. It’s not silly or unprofessional; it shows personality and if someone likes you and sees you’re a cool person, those people skills stretch you much further than a letter grade in class.”

If she could speak to a younger version of herself on her first day at UD, Doering said she would impart a few words of wisdom to prepare her for the journey she’s about to embark on.

“I would tell her that she’s going to grow so much,” she said. “Not just academically, but personally. You’re going to gain confidence you didn’t know you had and truly blossom into someone you’re proud of. You’ll make friends and have experiences that will stay with you forever. Say yes to things, talk to new people and trust that even the uncertain moments are shaping you into exactly who you’re meant to be. You have no idea how good it’s about to get.”