This edition of Future in Flight introduces @Elizabeth Mobilio, a third-year Biochemistry student at Queen’s University who joined DHC’s Materials and Processes team under the guidance of her manager, Mina Nourmansouri. Throughout her internship, Elizabeth has supported material compliance work, reviewing material and chemical data against regulatory requirements, tracking substances of concern, and working with engineering teams to maintain accurate material documentation and specifications. Continue reading to learn more about Elizabeth’s role, the experience she has gained, and what she has learned along the way.
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If you could go back to your first year of university, what advice would you give yourself?
Don’t be afraid to ask questions and seek out opportunities. Some of my most valuable learning experiences have come from reaching out for help, learning from others’ expertise, and taking chances on opportunities outside the classroom, such as research and case competitions. I wish I had known from the beginning that stepping outside your comfort zone is often much more rewarding than it is intimidating.
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Who has had the biggest influence on your career goals?
My parents have had the most significant influence on my career goals, as they have both shown me through example how hard work and perseverance allow you to achieve your goals. They have always encouraged me to dream big and continue working towards my goals, despite challenges that may arise. Their support has given me the confidence to pursue opportunities that push me outside of my comfort zone and help me grow both personally and professionally.
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What has challenged you the most during your internship?
One of the biggest challenges has been adapting to a professional work environment and learning how to navigate it effectively. There was a lot to learn beyond the technical aspects of the role, especially when it came to communication and collaboration. Throughout my internship, I became much more comfortable asking questions, reaching out to colleagues, and learning from people with different areas of expertise. Developing those professional skills has been one of the most rewarding parts of my experience and has helped me grow in confidence throughout the summer.
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If you could have lunch with anyone, dead or alive, who would it be?
Although it sounds cliché, I would choose Albert Einstein. I loved reading about him and his discoveries when I was younger and even dressed up as him for Halloween one year. I would be fascinated to learn more about his life, his curiosity, and how he approached solving complex problems.
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What’s one thing you’ll do differently in your next internship or job because of this experience?
Because of this experience, I’ll be more proactive about reaching beyond my immediate role to learn from others. One of the things I’ve appreciated most about my internship is being surrounded by people with so much knowledge and experience who are always willing to share their insights. In my next role, I want to make an earlier effort to connect with colleagues across different departments, learn from their expertise, and gain a deeper understanding of how different teams contribute to the organization’s success.
Team: News