Bon internship
Internship encourages independent learning
Internships are often the gateway to hands-on professional experience, bridging academic knowledge with real-world application. For Joylyn Bon Yu, an international master's degree student from the Philippines, her internship at the Searle Biodiesel Lab at 黑料门University Chicago has been a transformative step toward a career in sustainability. Her internship journey reflects resilience, curiosity, and a deep passion for environmental science.
One of the most rewarding aspects of Joylyn's internship experience has been the independent learning culture within the lab.
Joylyn is in her first year of the professional track for a master's in environmental science and sustainability at Loyola. She is specializing in sustainable assessment and planning, as well as Geographic Information Systems (GIS). She has a rich academic background, holding a bachelor's degree in forestry. Her decision to pursue Loyola's professional master's program was driven by a desire to explore opportunities beyond traditional research-focused graduate programs. While she values research, she also wanted exposure to applied sustainability solutions. This balance between academic research and practical experience drew her to the Biodiesel Lab.
Joylyn's first encounter with the Biodiesel Lab was during a campus tour, where she was immediately fascinated by its work. However, securing a position in the lab was challenging. Her first application was unsuccessful due to limited slots. Undeterred, she took the initiative to volunteer at the lab, shadowing interns to gain exposure. This persistence paid off—when she reapplied, she was accepted for the semester. Her role in the lab is diverse and hands-on. Working alongside other interns, she contributes to biodiesel production by managing reaction, wash, and storage tanks for multiple batches. Additionally, she is involved in quality control testing and the production of bio-soap, a sustainable byproduct derived from glycerin.
One of the most rewarding aspects of Joylyn's experience has been the independent learning culture within the lab. While she received guidance from the lab program manager, Zach Waickman, she appreciated the opportunity to take initiative. The lab environment encourages open discussions, allowing interns to propose efficiency improvements and ask questions freely. Through this experience, she has honed essential soft skills such as problem-solving, adaptability, and critical thinking.
Joylyn's time at the Biodiesel Lab has reinforced her interest in sustainability consulting and analytics, with a particular focus on the energy sector. Her experience in biodiesel production provided her with valuable discussion points when networking with professionals in the field. Her proactive approach has also led her to secure a summer internship at a sustainability consulting firm.
For students considering internships, Joylyn emphasizes the importance of perseverance and open-mindedness. Reflecting on her journey, she encourages students to apply for any position that interests them, even if they don't feel fully qualified. She also highlights the significance of resilience in the face of rejection, stating persistence and a willingness to try again can open new doors.
- by Danielle Hurtt
Joylyn is in her first year of the professional track for a master's in environmental science and sustainability at Loyola. She is specializing in sustainable assessment and planning, as well as Geographic Information Systems (GIS). She has a rich academic background, holding a bachelor's degree in forestry. Her decision to pursue Loyola's professional master's program was driven by a desire to explore opportunities beyond traditional research-focused graduate programs. While she values research, she also wanted exposure to applied sustainability solutions. This balance between academic research and practical experience drew her to the Biodiesel Lab.
Joylyn's first encounter with the Biodiesel Lab was during a campus tour, where she was immediately fascinated by its work. However, securing a position in the lab was challenging. Her first application was unsuccessful due to limited slots. Undeterred, she took the initiative to volunteer at the lab, shadowing interns to gain exposure. This persistence paid off—when she reapplied, she was accepted for the semester. Her role in the lab is diverse and hands-on. Working alongside other interns, she contributes to biodiesel production by managing reaction, wash, and storage tanks for multiple batches. Additionally, she is involved in quality control testing and the production of bio-soap, a sustainable byproduct derived from glycerin.
One of the most rewarding aspects of Joylyn's experience has been the independent learning culture within the lab. While she received guidance from the lab program manager, Zach Waickman, she appreciated the opportunity to take initiative. The lab environment encourages open discussions, allowing interns to propose efficiency improvements and ask questions freely. Through this experience, she has honed essential soft skills such as problem-solving, adaptability, and critical thinking.
Joylyn's time at the Biodiesel Lab has reinforced her interest in sustainability consulting and analytics, with a particular focus on the energy sector. Her experience in biodiesel production provided her with valuable discussion points when networking with professionals in the field. Her proactive approach has also led her to secure a summer internship at a sustainability consulting firm.
For students considering internships, Joylyn emphasizes the importance of perseverance and open-mindedness. Reflecting on her journey, she encourages students to apply for any position that interests them, even if they don't feel fully qualified. She also highlights the significance of resilience in the face of rejection, stating persistence and a willingness to try again can open new doors.
- by Danielle Hurtt