Science Students Earn Intern, Co-op of the Year Honors at NJIT
The winners of this year's Interns and Co-ops of NJIT Contest stood out for how they embraced their initial responsibilities and earned advancements within their organizations, according to judges from Career Development Services.
Chemistry major Jennifer Mikulko ’23 earned intern of the year for her work as a laboratory assistant in two departments of cosmetics manufacturer Cosmax USA, and biology major Colette Lichtenstein ’22 earned top student in a co-operative educational experience for her efforts as a medical scribe at two New Jersey hospitals amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
CDS launched the contest in 2017 to highlight the unique industry experiences of students from across all academic disciplines. Through weekly social media posts, CDS celebrates students gaining a broader understanding of their academic disciplines, career development and decision-making amid increased competiveness in the post-graduation job market. View all of this year's contestants here.
“We recognize students’ successes as well as showcase their experiences to inspire and motivate other students to participate in their own internship or co-op experience,” said Casey Hennessey, assistant director of employer relations. Below is a closer look at the latest honorees.
Colette Lichtenstein ’22
Pursuing a bachelor's in biology (neurobiology concentration)
ScribeAmerica co-op as a medical scribe at University Hospital and Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital
Why it suited me
The program helped me get comfortable quickly. Every day I was able to absorb so much new information about patient care, diagnosing illnesses, emergency medical interventions and even in-hospital operations. ScribeAmerica gave me a strong foundation and the flexibility to keep moving.
Skill development
I accompanied resident and attending physicians during patient consultations and documented patient history, physical exam findings, diagnoses, treatment plans and follow-up instructions into electronic medical records. I also retrieved data for physician review (labs, radiology reports, medical records) and facilitated communication between physicians and the medical team to help ensure quality patient care. During this time, I was promoted to scribe ambassador, where I took on additional responsibilities of interviewing and training new employees as well as assisting with quality assurance duties. With that experience, I earned the opportunity to become an implementation manager, where I assisted in implementing a new medical scribe program in the adult emergency department at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick.
Takeaways
Two emergency medicine physicians, Dr. Jill Ripper and Dr. Shannon Moffett, were particularly impactful role models. Not only were they incredibly talented physicians, but they were also equally exceptional teachers to residents, medical students and even scribes like myself — encouraging everyone to work together as a team and inviting any and all questions from us. Their overall attitude and demeanor while taking care of patients left a huge impression on me. If I ever become a physician, I would like to treat patients with the same compassion, empathy and understanding. Nurse Practitioner Mary-Ann Sadler also stood out as a great mentor. We spent many long shifts together and made it through a lot during the pandemic. I was so touched by her natural ability to care for others and maintain her composure, no matter how stressful a situation.
In five years …
I am eager to continue serving my community and work hard to be able to follow in the footsteps of the doctors that mentored me in the midst of such an intense situation. I hope to graduate medical school and return to work as a physician in the emergency room at University Hospital.
Jennifer Mikulko ’23
Pursuing a bachelor's in chemistry
Internship as a lab assistant at Cosmax USA
Why it suited me
Cosmax USA was a good fit because it is contract manufacturing and in the cosmetics industry. Also, I learned a lot in a short period of time. My managers taught me many skills as I learned how to work in a professional and fast-paced environment.
Skill development
In the lipstick department, I created batches by adding specific numbers of grams of various raw materials while using the mixer, hotplate and vacuum instruments. I also learned how to color match and sampled lipsticks into the components using molds and a suction device. Some days I would make over 100 samples to be sent to sales. After three months, I was promoted to the skin care department, where I learned how to use two different sealing machines and filter substances. As there are twice the number of chemists in this department, more chemists needed my assistance. Some days I would make over 200 samples in various components.
Takeaways
I can walk into a cosmetic store and see products that I help develop. It’s also rewarding to be introduced to people of high positions in the industry. With this strong internship in my background, doors of opportunity will open. Finally, this experience has given me so much experience and skills that I cannot learn in the classroom.
In five years …
I see myself working as a chemist, most likely in the cosmetic industry. I also see myself continuing to gain knowledge and experience to progress in my career.
CDS is available to help students connect with real-world experiences via career fairs, information sessions, interview days and other networking events. Learn more about NJIT’s co-op and internship program here.
