Luke Richardson is a recent graduate of Wichita State University with a master’s degree in biomedical engineering. A few months ago, he was offered a position at the United States Army Medical Research Institute of Chemical Defense (USAMRICD) for a biomedical engineering fellowship.

“I hope to put my engineering education to use by developing new technologies that will help save lives while also getting experience working in a professional research lab,” Richardson says.

Like many graduates, Richardson was looking for a full-time position following graduation. He says he’d been looking and applying for jobs for about two months before accepting this one.

He used Handshake, the Shocker Career Accelerator-sponsored job site for WSU students. This last semester, Richardson also worked in the Shocker Career Accelerator’s Career Closet. He organized and maintained inventory for the closet to help students find free professional clothing. His internship organizational skills will come in handy as he works in a federal research lab.

He’s excited about his new position because it could turn into a long-term research position if it’s a good fit, and either way, it will help him get a better idea of what sort of work he wants to do in the future.

Richardson encourages other students looking for jobs upon graduation to send out plenty of applications.

“Even if you don’t feel too confident about your applications,” Richardson says. “The experience you get from applying and interviewing will help to improve your outlook as a job candidate.”

Job hunting can be daunting and exhausting. Make sure you’re able to put your best foot forward like Richardson, who visited the Shocker Career Accelerator to improve his resume, job-seeking skills and interview skills.

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Wichita State's applied learning program gives students hands-on, paid experience with industry partners, helping them build careers before graduation.

For more information, contact the Shocker Career Accelerator at (316) 978-3688, SCA@wichita.edu, or visit wichita.edu/Career. You can also stop by in person at the Marcus Welcome Center, Suite 139, on the Wichita State campus.