Now working for a renewable energy company, Camryn set herself apart in her job search by earning two degrees in five years—a chemistry degree from Whittier (with a minor in French), and a chemical engineering degree from Columbia University, with a minor in earth and environmental engineering. The College’s 3-2 Engineering Program allows students like her to spend three years getting a strong scientific foundation at Whittier—in computer science, physics, chemistry, or math—then transferring to an engineering university for two more years of more specialized education. “Typically, you either choose to go to a small, private liberal arts school, or you choose to go to a research institution,” Camryn said. “Even if you transfer from one school to the next, you're only going to receive your degree from that school that you transferred into, whereas with the 3-2 Engineering Program, I received a degree from both Whittier and Columbia.”
After leaving Southern California for New York, Camryn entered Columbia’s program well-equipped for the advanced studies. She was surprised to find that her choice of chemical engineering involved a lot more physics than she expected—but she wasn’t thrown off by the curveball. Thanks to Whittier’s intentionally well-rounded approach to education, Camryn already had a strong background in physics, even though she majored in chemistry. “The foundation that I received at Whittier College was instrumental in my success at Columbia, so I'm grateful for my three years at Whittier,” she said. Not only that, but her time at Whittier afforded her opportunities she doubts she would have had at a large institution. She won a fellowship in only her first year, which funded a summer research project. She took classes in a wide variety of subjects, with even enough time in her schedule to earn a minor in French. She spent several weeks studying abroad in Greece and Italy, participated in student clubs, and worked a part-time campus job relevant to her scientific interests. She also excelled as an impressive setter for the volleyball team. “This was my way of getting the best of both worlds,” she said. In fact, her career on the volleyball court was historic. In her three years, she achieved the ninth-most assists in a single season in College history, and tied for eighth-most serving aces. Camryn credits making the record books to dedication, the supportive coaching staff, and the drive to win.
“It was an amazing experience. I made lifelong friendships with my teammates, my coaches, and it’s a nice school balance. With volleyball, or whatever sport you do play, you are able to really balance out your athletics with your academics because of just how Whittier sets up everything,” she said. She does wonder sometimes what a fourth season would have looked like. But her time after Whittier was nothing short of amazing, either. She interned with the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Los Angeles before continuing her studies at Columbia. While at Columbia, she was able to continue her internship with the FBI while also participating in the Columbia Club Women’s Volleyball team and National Society of Black Engineers. Now established in her career field, Camryn enjoys working toward a more sustainable future as a senior project manager at Enertis Applus+. Her current role wound up more electrical than chemical, but pivoting with both flexibility and confidence is no problem for a well-rounded Whittier College graduate, armed with the expertise of Columbia’s training ground. Camryn also continues to stay connected to both Whittier and Columbia by facilitating outreach efforts and participating in Alumni panels and recruitment opportunities for both institutions.
